as in oblivious
not informed about or aware of something
she was unaware of the change in travel plans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in suddenly
without warning
the predawn attack took the airmen completely unaware
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 unaware
Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
For some, spotting Hodge added an extra layer to the show’s premise, because while Norman was completely unaware he was surrounded by actors, parts of the audience weren’t.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
But Reef is also five years sober from a destructive heroin addiction that the adoring public thankfully is unaware of.
—Josh Spiegel, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
Many Johnson County residents spent years unaware of the small, unmarked creek that flows through a golf course in Leawood and in southern Overland Park, in one of the most affluent areas of Kansas’ wealthiest county.
—Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unaware
Adjective
Motta had been completely unaware that the accidents Garrison and Alfortish had brought her were illegitimate, Toomey insisted.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
For some, spotting Hodge added an extra layer to the show’s premise, because while Norman was completely unaware he was surrounded by actors, parts of the audience weren’t.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
But Reef is also five years sober from a destructive heroin addiction that the adoring public thankfully is unaware of.
—Josh Spiegel, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
Many Johnson County residents spent years unaware of the small, unmarked creek that flows through a golf course in Leawood and in southern Overland Park, in one of the most affluent areas of Kansas’ wealthiest county.
—Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unaware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unaware
Adjective
-
Aasif Mandvi and Christopher Fitzgerald barely register as Jane and Julia’s oblivious husbands, while Consuelos, who plays Maurice as a suave cuckolder with a dodgy European accent, should probably stick to daytime TV.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Then, 15 meters later, a clueless cameraman stepped onto lane 1 from the infield, oblivious to the approaching pack.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
There was so much physical comedy, and setting up jokes, and having to hit the rhythm, and then suddenly something totally tragic happens.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
An exciting next step would be to study what happens near a quantum phase transition—a point where a material suddenly changes its state, similar to water freezing into ice, but driven by quantum effects.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Trump is either too ignorant or mentally challenged — and dangerous — to continue as president.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Excluding industry from the room doesn’t make for ‘independent’ policy but sets the table for ignorant policy.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
If someone reacts unexpectedly, don’t escalate or assume intent.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Another goal for the foundation is to help with the funeral expenses of those in the dance community who may die unexpectedly, like her own son.—
Laura Turbay,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The North Face Women's Venture 2 Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket Being caught unawares on one too many rain showers in Iceland, Thailand, and even the streets of Chicago has taught me to never travel without a good rain jacket.—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Frost that catches you unawares can be devastating—at least to certain plants.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unaware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unaware. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
