unwitting

adjective

ˌən-ˈwi-tiŋ How to pronounce unwitting (audio)
Definition of unwittingnext
1
as in accidental
happening by chance an unwitting mistake made in copying the material

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaware
not informed about or aware of something an unwitting accomplice to the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 unwitting Jones entered guilty pleas to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in schemes to defraud major sportsbooks, including DraftKings and FanDuel, and filch millions of dollars from unwitting poker players. — Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 29 June 2026 They have been written to guide the unwitting discoverer through this minefield. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 June 2026 The employees may have been unwitting participants in the scheme, with Rush persuading one of his colleagues to direct millions of dollars to the program through a fraudulent government contract. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2026 What transpires in Season 2 is an extraordinary journey of two men who become unwitting partners in a quest to destroy Roper once and for all. — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwitting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwitting
  1. accidental
  2. unaware
  3. inadvertent
  4. oblivious
  5. ignorant
Adjective
  • These brands sought deep operational integration and audience engagement, contrasting with non-sponsors who gained accidental publicity from FIFA's strict clean-stadium rules.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The accidental discharge by the officer will be reviewed internally, the New London Police Department said.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
Definition of accidental
Adjective
  • The original owner transferred the title to the second buyer, unaware that someone had already paid for the same car months earlier.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026
  • Beyond a stadium that was barely at 10% capacity, many around the city were unaware of not only the Open Cup match, but the Wizards themselves.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of unaware
Adjective
  • Only a few minutes earlier, Abulaila endured an inadvertent slap to his throat by Arnautovic on a pass into the box.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • Often, high achievers can get separated from the group, which creates an inadvertent spirit of isolationism, separating them from their peers and thereby creating an us-versus-them mentality.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026
Definition of inadvertent
Adjective
  • Musiala carries on walking, oblivious to the fact that his new team-mate is no longer by his side until two of Bayern’s media staff, one with a microphone and another holding a camera, scamper back to the stairs, where Olise is hiding.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • But for another two and a half years, it’s stuck with a boss who often seems oblivious to customer concerns.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of oblivious
Adjective
  • Careers made and ruined, departments torn apart, writing programs turned into sensitivity seminars, political witch hunts, public opprobrium, ignorant media attacks, the whole ball of wax.
    — Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • Any advice on how to tune out ignorant neighbors who refuse to shut up?
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of ignorant

Browse Nearby Words

unwisely
unwitting
unwittingly
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Cite this Entry

“Unwitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwitting. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unwitting

Nglish: Translation of unwitting for Spanish Speakers

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