1
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
e-mail scams that take advantage of unwary recipients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Because many tax professionals and taxpayers are unaware of the nuances of section 679, the provision often acts as a trap for the unwary.
—
Matthew L. Roberts, Forbes.com, 28 May 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
The result is that fraudsters have rushed into cryptocurrency, exploiting the complexity and hype to dupe the unwary.
—Hilary Allen, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for unwary
Matthew L. Roberts, Forbes.com, 28 May 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
The result is that fraudsters have rushed into cryptocurrency, exploiting the complexity and hype to dupe the unwary.
—Hilary Allen, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for unwary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwary
Adjective
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Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones and 72 years after House of the Dragon, A Knight of Seven Kingdom follows two unlikely heroes wandering Westeros … a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), and his diminutive squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2026
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The Irish actor, 29, leads A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a new Game of Thrones spinoff series based on a series of novellas by Martin, 77, that follows naïve knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Claffey) and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The driver of the truck was cited for careless driving; the vehicle was not equipped with chains, but chains were not required under state law in Friday morning’s conditions, according to Colorado State Patrol.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
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Drug, alcohol, careless living.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Jan. 2026
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Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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So write to the White House and tell them to start working for the American people, rather than writing letters to the newspaper labeling a deceased innocent woman a rioter.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
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Just over two weeks later, an innocent woman in a BMW sedan was killed after her car was hit by a theft suspect fleeing Fullerton police in La Palma.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The woman — whose home was otherwise in incredible shape, according to Hobson — couldn't lock her door and consequently felt unsafe there.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
But other incidents reflect a new, subtler antisemitism students face — including disputes over curriculum and teacher advocacy that some Jewish students and families say leaves them feeling singled out or unsafe.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In October 2023, Jemma DeCristo tweeted on social media there’s easy access to Zionist journalists who spread propaganda and misinformation.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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HotHands Hand Warmers are a convenient and easy way to stay warm and provide a boost of heat without taking extra layers.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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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His reckless decision to escalate the aggression and number of immigration agents is a causal factor, regardless of the outcome of an investigation into this tragic death.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Cowards habitually flee what is painful, while someone who acts bravely because of excessive confidence is simply reckless.—
Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unwary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwary. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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