unsuspecting

adjective

un·​sus·​pect·​ing ˌən-sə-ˈspek-tiŋ 

: unaware of any danger or threat : not suspecting

unsuspecting victims

unsuspectingly adverb

Synonyms of unsuspecting

• naive
• innocent
• inexperienced
• simple
• unwary

Examples of unsuspecting in a Sentence

sidewalk vendors selling bogus gems to unsuspecting tourists

Recent Examples on the Web

Those parties clinging to the outdated and socially unacceptable business model that relies on selling puppy mill puppies to unsuspecting consumers are no longer welcome in nine states and over 520 localities and some are looking for a new home. —Annie Hornish, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

Ticks tend to perch on ankle-level vegetation with their upper legs outstretched, waiting to latch on to an unsuspecting dog or human. —ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026

Unfortunately, Apple AirTags can be used to track unsuspecting people. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

According to the Belfast Telegraph, the vessel took the unsuspecting rabbits 93 miles off the Lincolnshire coast to the Valaris Norway rig, at Ithaca Energy's Cygnus platform. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsuspecting

• disconnecting
• disinfecting
• interjecting
• intersecting
• recollecting
• reconnecting
• redirecting
• resurrecting
• unreflecting
• affecting
• bisecting
• collecting