UNWITTINGLY Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

unwittingly

adverb

as in inadvertently

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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 unwittingly Throughout this story, the husband is unwittingly chasing a sense of relief. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026 In the second film of the two-part blockbuster, Elphaba’s spell to save Prince Fiyero’s life unwittingly transforms him into a scarecrow. — Victoria Hoffmann, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2026 The picture unfolds against the backdrop of a family digital detox vacation in a house in a Swedish forest which takes a terrifying turn when a teenager discovers an old modem and unwittingly awakens a dormant, sadistic demon when it is fired up. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 Their stings may be a problem for people and pets who unwittingly come in contact with them. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2026 She’s unwittingly caught between two different factions seeking to exploit her immense power—her new bestie, Emmaline, and Adelaide’s group—plus another group that seems intent on killing Carrie and others like her. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 By needlessly politicizing air traffic control, both parties unwittingly make the case for privatization. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 Anyone who waited by the stage door at London’s Trafalgar Theatre last year may well have unwittingly been offered a major clue about a development within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 When Jay encounters a giant squid being chased by a mammoth sperm whale, he’s unwittingly entangled in the former’s tentacles and swallowed up in one extended, terrifying sequence. — David MacK, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwittingly

Adverb

On a brisk October morning, a coyote ventured onto a mound of dirt in Agoura Hills and inadvertently became a pioneer.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Janones also urged supporters to avoid commenting on opponents’ posts, warning that engaging with their content could inadvertently boost its visibility through social media algorithms.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of inadvertently

Adverb

Just one month before her second birthday, Aaren died following an eight-day coma after accidentally falling into the swimming pool at her mother’s home.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026
Michael Mann was hospitalized on Saturday after accidentally shooting himself at a gun range in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of accidentally

Adverb

However, some of the ballot language in Measure G unintentionally repealed Measure J — an administrative error that was discovered in June 2025.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
There are so many organizations working to protect the voting process -- including many that cannot legally coordinate with each other -- that some officials involved worry about unintentionally creating chaos outside polling locations.

— STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of unintentionally

Adverb

If presented with something to grip, even unconsciously, many jaws will.

— Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Our brain makes these predictions both consciously and unconsciously, relying on past sensory and physical experience to run the odds.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconsciously

Adverb

And, fortuitously for would-be sponsors, something happened in tennis that made these arrangements even more appealing.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The earnings announcement was fortuitously timed, coming just as reports were surfacing of high-level OpenAI employees joining the company.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fortuitously

Adverb

An outright ban on the use of the technology would remove a valuable tool only because some departments have used it carelessly.

— Edward Longe, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
But don’t think Obama choose that reference carelessly, or just for humor.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of carelessly

Browse Nearby Words

unwitting

unwittingly

unwomanly

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“Unwittingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwittingly. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of unwittingly

adverb

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