1
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
e-mail scams that take advantage of unwary recipients
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in careless
not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble
a dangerous stretch of desert that has claimed many unwary travelers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in susceptible
readily taken advantage of
unwary consumers who unquestioningly swallow the dubious claims of TV pitchmen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unwary
That can create a trap for unwary taxpayers because the law requires taxpayers to sue for a refund within two years of the IRS disallowing it.
—
Tom Cullinan, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Nothing can stop unwary parents from relying on the judgment of Donald Trump or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to make healthcare decisions for their infants and children.
—Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have given fraudsters a host of new tools to trick unwary individuals into dishonest schemes.
—Ranjita Iyer, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
That’s because the agency’s duty is to stand in the way of businesses desiring to push unsafe and ineffective nostrums at unwary consumers, and also in the way of a perverse idea that personal freedom includes the freedom to be gulled by charlatans.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unwary
Tom Cullinan, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Nothing can stop unwary parents from relying on the judgment of Donald Trump or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to make healthcare decisions for their infants and children.
—Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have given fraudsters a host of new tools to trick unwary individuals into dishonest schemes.
—Ranjita Iyer, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
That’s because the agency’s duty is to stand in the way of businesses desiring to push unsafe and ineffective nostrums at unwary consumers, and also in the way of a perverse idea that personal freedom includes the freedom to be gulled by charlatans.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unwary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwary
Adjective
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The series’ earnestly naïve sound design (horses neighing, cars revving) only enhanced my appreciation of Joudrey’s sophisticated storytelling.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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But anyone who thinks that’s what CTU’s deal is about is hopelessly naive.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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An elevated matching set There’s a fine line between comfortable and careless.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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Additional charges included negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Just like any living creature, trees are susceptible to diseases.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
18 Apr. 2026
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Because there’s something about Toni Collette as a charismatic cult leader offering you a framework for your rage that feels like something Mae Martin would be susceptible to.—
Brittany Delay,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Murray emphasized that all defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty, and declined to discuss the specifics of the case against Rice.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
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There is significant risk that, given the limited evidence specific to individuals, mass trials risk convicting innocent people.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Lawmakers say many out-of-state drivers are linked to unpaid speeding tickets and unsafe driving.—
Tara Lynch,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, the encampment problem on the Northwest Side has become unsafe, untenable and unchanging.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Alaves should be similarly worried, according to Opta’s model, facing both of the top two before the season is out, while Sevilla do not have it easy after a massive game at Levante on Wednesday.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
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Companion plants are an eco-friendly way to keep pests out of your garden without chemical pesticides and an easy way to boost the production of your favorite plants and vegetables.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Ultimately, the scammers appear to use their initial contractor targets as unsuspecting mules for the malware payload.—
Jessica Klein,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
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The series chronicles the exploits of Kuashal Niroula and Danny Garcia as they are roped into an impressive group of eccentric, like-minded con artists to form the ‘gay grifters’ swindling a bevy of unsuspecting victims out of millions in cash and property over a decade plus.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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He was taken into custody and transported to Norwalk police headquarters, where he was charged with two counts of criminal attempt at assault on a police officer, two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment and first-degree threatening.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
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Throughout Orbán’s re-election campaign, the media controlled by his governing Fidesz party depicted Magyar as a reckless enemy of peace, bent on dragging Hungary into the war in neighboring Ukraine.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unwary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwary. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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