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
-
Levine sounds almost naive about the depth of this love.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?—
Lili Anolik,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Caracas strike, though rumored for weeks, happened so quickly that many Americans who’d gone to bed unaware that a capture operation was under way woke up to an image of Maduro wearing a Nike tracksuit and handcuffs.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
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His wife Victoria Ratliff (Posey) and their three children, Saxton (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), however, are blissfully unaware.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Earlier this year, two innocent people were stabbed to death on 16th Street in Denver by an individual who had previously been deemed incompetent and released — one tragic example highlighting gaps in the current system.—
Mike Johnston,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
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This can include firing at an oncoming vehicle or even a fleeing vehicle if there is a credible assessment that failure to do so will result in the imminent death of police personnel or innocent bystanders.—
Laurence Miller,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
On its face, the government's defense appears to be that the individuals behind these statements are ignorant or incompetent, or both.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
-
The citizens of Oz are treated as no more than an undifferentiated crowd of extras, an ignorant and finally disposable monolith.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
20 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In December, Fullerton police surprised unsuspecting drivers by handing out gift cards instead of citations during some traffic stops.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
7 Jan. 2026
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For as many times as a restaurant can be unsurprising, there are the gems that can turn an everyday ingredient or an unsuspecting meal into something unforgettable.—
Sunny Hubler,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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When Mullen unexpectedly suggested taking a family photo outside before dinner, Kirschenheiter was still oblivious to his proposal plan.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Last week, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro was on stage in front of his supporters, waving his hands and dancing, seemingly oblivious to the danger that awaited him.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This simple design works well once the engine is already moving very fast.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Do this simple test to find out if your soil is ready.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Ten of the top 15 quarterbacks in the portal have already committed, and after that top tier, many of the remaining quarterbacks available are either young, inexperienced passers from Power 4 programs or starters from Group of 5 or FCS schools.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
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According to the University of Massachusetts Global, teacher turnover results in a large number of inexperienced teachers being placed in classrooms, meaning more money is put toward recruiting, hiring and training.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknowing. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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