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
-
Critics say Starmer was, at best, naive in not recognizing the risks involved.—
JILL LAWLESS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Critics say Mandelson’s ties with Epstein made his appointment too risky and Starmer was, at best, naive.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Some hungry locals, unaware of the recent fraud bust, were left confused to see El Primo.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
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Patients, their families, and other members of their medical care team were unaware Bynon allegedly made false statements in their medical records, according to court records.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Chris Harrison sparked controversy Wednesday for a seemingly innocent request posted on social media.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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The modern Western culture around nudity really teaches you shame about something that is so human and natural and innocent.—
Nicola Dall'Asen,
Allure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Walz said children fear aggressive agents; critics called the comparison ignorant and offensive.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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One of Johnson’s former Cowboys superstars, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, called voters who ignored Belichick ignorant.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The plan is to test her theory on an unsuspecting man in increasingly cringey ways.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Consisting entirely of text, the iconoclastic video installation was shown briefly on television, in airtime purchased by the artists, to alert unsuspecting spectators to TV advertising’s role—and their own complicity—in maintaining the status quo.—
Michael Cowan,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Miss Manners would be sorry to think that retirement had left you oblivious to the dynamics of life, which, indeed, lexicographers must follow.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
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Emma was oblivious to the cars, the don’t-walk signs, even the cold on this windy, 34-degree afternoon.—
Maeva Bambuck,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The 18-year-old was also charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor and summary charges of harassment and disorderly conduct.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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With similar pressures and temperatures to those found at Earth’s surface, Venus, up above its cloud-tops, might already be home to simple but hardy microbial life forms.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The most common complaints include denying legitimate claims, partnering with inexperienced and unqualified service providers, poor service, and slow response times.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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Had training standards slipped, pushing relatively inexperienced ski patrollers into dangerous situations?—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknowing. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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