unawares

adverb

ˌən-ə-ˈwerz How to pronounce unawares (audio)
Definition of unawaresnext
as in suddenly
without warning the thunderstorm caught us unawares, and we scrambled to get off the ridge as lightning started to flash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unawares Short squeezes can happen when a troubled company bounces back, catching doubters unawares. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 22 July 2025 However, with no standardized dimensions across airlines, travelers have often been caught unawares with incorrectly sized bags when switching between carriers. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 5 July 2025 This was not the first time the Alaska Volcanic Observatory (AVO) had been caught unawares by Veniaminof, even with rigorous monitoring. — Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025 The swiftness with which the market changed their stripes caught us unawares and big gains weren’t taken. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unawares
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unawares
  1. suddenly
  2. unexpectedly
Adverb
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The astounding results delivered by Daraxonrasib, and likely by a new crop of medications now in development pipelines of pharma companies that work in a similar fashion, suddenly provide a significant opportunity to act.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of suddenly
Adverb
  • The series followed Jane Villanueva, played by Rodriguez, whose life is unexpectedly upended after she is accidentally artificially inseminated.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
  • If a key individual leaves unexpectedly, the financial impact can be immediate.
    — Anthony Mastro, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of unexpectedly

Browse Nearby Words

unawareness
unawares
unbalance
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Cite this Entry

“Unawares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unawares. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unawares for Spanish Speakers

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