UNSUSPECTING Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

unsuspecting

adjective

ˌən-sə-ˈspek-tiŋ

Definition of unsuspecting

as in naive

lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment sidewalk vendors selling bogus gems to unsuspecting tourists

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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 unsuspecting The Cubs were the subsequent, unsuspecting victims of a 5-1 ambush. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 Her male cub followed suit, and the two cheetahs began to creep toward a herd of unsuspecting Thomson’s gazelles, grazing about 100 yards away. — Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Shocking video appeared to show unsuspecting shoppers looking at grocery items seconds before the roof collapsed, sending a large amount of water gushing into the business. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 Crab spiders employ the pouncing tactic, waiting patiently inside flowers for unsuspecting pollinators. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuspecting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuspecting

Adjective

Nolan reinvents him as a naive young soldier left outside the horse to sell Odysseus’ deception.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
As a woman of a certain age, no one had hit me with the naïve stick.

— Rene Denfeld, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Definition of naive

Adjective

Many leave home early for school, and darkness adds difficulty for inexperienced motorists who may already be tired or rushed.

— Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
But both Foulkes and the head of a consumer electronics organization say combining AI with other technologies is allaying those concerns by making boating easier and less intimidating for both experienced and inexperienced individuals.

— Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of inexperienced

Adjective

Flatheads aren’t built for extended chases like their streamlined cousins, preferring instead to dart out from hiding and devour unwary prey.

— Keith Sutton, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026
Unless accelerated by a tanning bed, skin damage can take years, if not decades to develop, experts say, leaving today’s unwary youth at risk for early skin aging and lethal skin cancers such as melanoma.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 19 May 2026

Definition of unwary

Browse Nearby Words

unsuspected

unsuspecting

unsuspicious

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“Unsuspecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsuspecting. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsuspecting

adjective

Example Sentences

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