UNKNOWING Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

unknowing

adjective

ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ

Definition of unknowing

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

as in unaware

not informed about or aware of something the poor woman has been the unknowing target of some pretty vicious gossip

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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 unknowing From around January to June 2022, the couple tricked unknowing subordinates into adding fake vendors to the company's system, officials said. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 The detective, once the exemplar of reason, drifts here into a fog of unknowing. — Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025 One of the strongest scenes in this episode is Maeve teaching the unknowing captive Sam how to swim. — Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 As such, when Mia brings an innocent, unknowing stranger back to her apartment and begins to torture him, Dexter— witnessing the events unfold from across the street — calls authorities and Mia is arrested. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unknowing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknowing

Adjective

Only the most naïve of lawmakers believe there won’t be consequences to taxpayers that will lead to their constituents paying more taxes.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world.

— Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of naive

Adjective

For much of the film, Julián falls for Ry while unaware of her illness or her family ties.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
But according to records reviewed during a deposition of the park’s director of maintenance, state officials were allegedly unaware that maintenance workers had replaced a wheel on one of the train cars prior to their inspection.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unaware

Adjective

When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
In a cruel coup de grace, Acosta reached into Shuler’s bag to steal an item while the innocent customer was still alive, prosecutors said.

— John Annese, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of innocent

Adjective

Simply hide the ninja figures and wait for your unsuspecting victim to walk by when out of nowhere, the motion activation lets loose a very impolite noise sure to have your kids rolling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Her content is mainly focused on chatting up unsuspecting males in public, whose reactions are secretly filmed.

— Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuspecting

Adjective

Lawmakers simply closed their ears to the critics and boldly pushed ahead, either oblivious or indifferent to the consequences to Maryland taxpayers.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
But her run would not have been possible without the crew of everyday Americans who were completely oblivious to her techniques, lost the game badly, and then got mad at her for it.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of oblivious

Adjective

It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

unknowable

unknowing

unknowingly

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Style

“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknowing. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unknowing

adjective

Example Sentences

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