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
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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
-
Jane’s voice shifts from that of a naïve girl to that of a capable young woman as Laser traces her path out of the wilderness.—
AudioFile Magazine
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His hesitation has been seen publicly as naïve and risky, eroding faith in the monarchy.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The adolescent protagonist soon finds himself at the mercy of his imperious uncle, who puts his nephew out on the street for missing a midnight curfew, of which poor Karl was quite unaware.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Skarsgård is unaware that the exchange got any kind of play online.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As with all investigations leading to arrest, the subjects of the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The new dating term 'Shrekking' sounds innocent.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
So what will our ignorant commissioner do with the information?—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
28 Sep. 2025
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But criticism quickly began to pile in on Chinese social media, where users denounced the advertising stunt as ignorant of the potential environmental impacts in a remote and pristine ecosystem.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In terms of emotions, these Red Sox — and a goodly number of their fans — are just doing their thing, seemingly oblivious of the Yankees.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Told by a mate that just such a brawl is brewing, Jacob (Will Harrison, excellent) goes flying toward an oblivious bystander, fist first, knocking the unsuspecting victim to the ground.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Trey's Review Process Otey’s Tavern is tucked in an unsuspecting Birmingham strip mall.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
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Crooks tell the unsuspecting customer that the chip must be returned to the bank.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
By the way, Valera wasn’t the only inexperienced Guardian to make a pivotal play.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Fleck said that type of at-the-line adjustment is atypical for such an inexperienced player; Lindsey was making only his fourth collegiate start.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknowing. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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