1
as in understood
to have a practical understanding of
a career diplomat who knows several languages a fan who really knows baseball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in experienced
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
knows full well how nerve-racking it can be to speak in public
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in saw
to have a clear idea of
I think I know what you're trying to say
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of knew
Being such a fan of books, the 24-year-old actor knew just how dedicated the fanbase for his new Prime Video series Off Campus would be.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
So when Morgan didn’t show up for the early shift one morning, her co-workers knew something was wrong.
—Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 13 May 2026
The patient wouldn’t have had the benefit of modern anesthetics, but archaeological traces at other sites suggest Neanderthals knew about medicinal plants like chamomile and yarrow, as well as antiseptics like birch tar.
—ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
But Wilson knew how to make a strong impression on a local crowd at Wintrust Arena.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Everyone in the room knew every song.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026
Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
In the chaos, Berger said not everyone knew what to do.
—Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Crucially, Turner recruited people like Schonfeld who knew who to hire and what to order.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
So when Morgan didn’t show up for the early shift one morning, her co-workers knew something was wrong.
—Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 13 May 2026
The patient wouldn’t have had the benefit of modern anesthetics, but archaeological traces at other sites suggest Neanderthals knew about medicinal plants like chamomile and yarrow, as well as antiseptics like birch tar.
—ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
But Wilson knew how to make a strong impression on a local crowd at Wintrust Arena.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Everyone in the room knew every song.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026
Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
In the chaos, Berger said not everyone knew what to do.
—Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Crucially, Turner recruited people like Schonfeld who knew who to hire and what to order.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knew
Verb
-
The three-year varsity starter understood the assignment.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
-
There were people who understood and were entertained in a positive way.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
For example, even the rarest piece in your closet is first experienced by your car, or your backyard, or the courtyard of a county museum.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Moving a blade back and forth to try to saw biscuits apart will make their layers stick (and ruin the rise).—
Ella Quittner,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Ruggeri says that, in comparison to saw palmetto, which gets far more attention.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After an initial miss, Jefferson had four makes in a row, needing one save to clinch the win.—
Sarah Spencer,
AJC.com,
13 May 2026
-
Nurse, who has had to deal with multiple challenges during his time with the Sixers, will remain a constant, at least for the near future.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
So, before tip-off on Friday, the team recognized Clark's accomplishment.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
-
Larry will also be recognized for contributing to the pinball community on Friday.—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Murphy, meanwhile, felt the combine was big for uncommitted players like Durkin.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Amar felt something more foreboding.—
Annie Hylton,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
By slow degrees, Philip’s story shifts to accommodate the incontrovertible evidence of IP addresses and deciphered cryptography and Lucy struggles to keep up, let alone understand.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
-
The researchers then deciphered certain traits that were linked to the habit.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bacterial samples from eight of the cases underwent genetic sequencing and showed close similarity.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
11 May 2026
-
According to the team, Hardy suffered a gunshot wound Sunday morning and underwent surgery the same day.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knew. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
