1
as in foolish
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
made the unwise decision to invest in a brand-new company
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
showing poor judgment especially in personal relationships or social situations
an unwise urge to confide in total strangers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stupid
not having or showing a deep understanding of something
a stunningly unwise observer of the political scene
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unwise
On its face, putting the regular season’s best teams in jeopardy of being knocked out before the CFP even starts seems unwise.
—
Seth Emerson, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Even the most careful drivers can have a bad day, moment, or make an unwise decision.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 16 May 2025
His unwise challenge of an Evander Kane goal in Game 3 started the deluge, and the combination of his reluctance to use the guys at the end of his bench and a prevent defense mentality certainly didn’t help as the Oilers consistently outplayed the Kings in the third period and beyond.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
Going after clean jobs would mean stalling economic growth in communities that helped deliver Trump a second term — a move that most would call politically unwise.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unwise
Seth Emerson, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Even the most careful drivers can have a bad day, moment, or make an unwise decision.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 16 May 2025
His unwise challenge of an Evander Kane goal in Game 3 started the deluge, and the combination of his reluctance to use the guys at the end of his bench and a prevent defense mentality certainly didn’t help as the Oilers consistently outplayed the Kings in the third period and beyond.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
Going after clean jobs would mean stalling economic growth in communities that helped deliver Trump a second term — a move that most would call politically unwise.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unwise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwise
Adjective
-
Making a prediction for Game 7 is obviously foolish.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
This seems foolish since the U.S. has some 25-30% of the world’s coal, which is even more than China.—
Jude Clemente,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
There was always an inappropriate something happening.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
-
Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.—
Joseph Folkman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
-
There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.—
Benjamin Hale
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Jeff: This has been such a silly way to seed the in-season tournament.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
Wishing you a weekend of in-season snacks, silly time with old friends, and political victories of any size.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Still, in a world where there are not enough safeguards to keep the United States from entering imprudent wars, such legal reforms could serve the twin goals of conflict prevention and democratic accountability.—
Stephen Pomper,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Sep. 2021
-
She was officially charged with a DUI and DWI, 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.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The nutrient can indeed help with all of those, but sometimes, the claims turn absurd.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2025
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The College World Series semifinals concluded Wednesday, allowing Houston Astros manager Joe Espada another chance to marvel at an absurd ascension.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Before then, an officer could only cite you for using your phone after you had been pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or an improper lane change.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2025
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In 2023, auditors found A1’s Frederick County branch engaged in improper scheduling and monitoring.—
Glynis Kazanjian,
Baltimore Sun,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
He could not be seen, just as the little black boy was not seen, or was seen inaccurately, by the unperceptive and disdainful white boy.—
Louise Glück,
The New York Review of Books,
14 Jan. 2021
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Memory, conveyed by an unperceptive, mechanically flowing camera, seems disconnected from culture.—
Armond White,
National Review,
19 Nov. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Unwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwise. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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