1
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
those unknowing people who think that the world is a kindly place are in for a rude awakening
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaware
not informed about or aware of something
the poor woman has been the unknowing target of some pretty vicious gossip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unknowing
Now axe-wielding and neck-snapping murderers, the duo have launched into a flesh-seeking rampage, honey-bent on killing not just their former human friend but descending on four unknowing college students staying at home in the woods.
—
Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022
Pity the unknowing curiste who confuses a resident of the city, a Vichyssois, with a supporter of Pétain’s government, a vichyste.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 23 May 2022
Cheung in 1997 watched the handover unfolding on television as an unknowing 4-year-old kindergartner enjoying steamed fish.
—Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022
Their names and emails can then be used by bad actors to target them in various email schemes that can harm unknowing customers.
—Daniel Barber, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for unknowing
Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022
Pity the unknowing curiste who confuses a resident of the city, a Vichyssois, with a supporter of Pétain’s government, a vichyste.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 23 May 2022
Cheung in 1997 watched the handover unfolding on television as an unknowing 4-year-old kindergartner enjoying steamed fish.
—Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022
Their names and emails can then be used by bad actors to target them in various email schemes that can harm unknowing customers.
—Daniel Barber, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for unknowing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknowing
Adjective
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Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones and 72 years after House of the Dragon, A Knight of Seven Kingdom follows two unlikely heroes wandering Westeros … a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), and his diminutive squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2026
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That naïve version of myself has since retired.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Julian has been blissfully unaware, all of the first season, that anything was going on — especially with any of his deep, dark secrets coming to light.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
27 Feb. 2026
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The victim unknowingly takes the fake card, unaware that their actual bank card has been stolen.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Still, all these innocent inquiries have me even more on edge.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2026
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But if some of the address was a game show, much of it was a bloody Grand Guignol theater of horror stories, almost all about immigrants preying on the helpless and the innocent.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Kudos to former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for showing class and not responding to this insecure, ignorant symbol of racist hatred.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Walz said children fear aggressive agents; critics called the comparison ignorant and offensive.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The items are then either sold to unsuspecting customers or smuggled out of the country.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Or, more aptly, like when an unsuspecting rapper from Philadelphia decided to alter the brain chemistry of every child on the planet by saying the numbers six and seven.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The new city government, controlled largely by business owners and other élites, seemed oblivious to the problems of the poor.—
Anand Gopal,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2026
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Critics at its first press screening called the film disgusting, accusing it of exploiting both its oblivious subjects and the beloved former first lady.—
Rosemary Counter,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Olive oil is also used to dress simple salads, roasted vegetables, and a host of other dishes.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
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Others have argued that the game represents a simple life that is becoming harder to obtain.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The officer said the review was needed because an inexperienced employee handled James’ initial vetting.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
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In the book, Krakauer is critical of the guiding companies for leading inexperienced climbers up the mountain despite the extreme dangers.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknowing. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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