1
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
those unknowing people who think that the world is a kindly place are in for a rude awakening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaware
not informed about or aware of something
the poor woman has been the unknowing target of some pretty vicious gossip
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 unknowing
One of the strongest scenes in this episode is Maeve teaching the unknowing captive Sam how to swim.
—
Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
As such, when Mia brings an innocent, unknowing stranger back to her apartment and begins to torture him, Dexter— witnessing the events unfold from across the street — calls authorities and Mia is arrested.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
The Mangusta has none, and traveling over tar strips and on certain road surfaces is enough to prompt unknowing passengers to inquire with some urgency as to the source of all that noise.
—Car and Driver, 13 Jan. 2023
Now axe-wielding and neck-snapping murderers, the duo have launched into a flesh-seeking rampage, honey-bent on killing not just their former human friend but descending on four unknowing college students staying at home in the woods.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for unknowing
Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
As such, when Mia brings an innocent, unknowing stranger back to her apartment and begins to torture him, Dexter— witnessing the events unfold from across the street — calls authorities and Mia is arrested.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
The Mangusta has none, and traveling over tar strips and on certain road surfaces is enough to prompt unknowing passengers to inquire with some urgency as to the source of all that noise.
—Car and Driver, 13 Jan. 2023
Now axe-wielding and neck-snapping murderers, the duo have launched into a flesh-seeking rampage, honey-bent on killing not just their former human friend but descending on four unknowing college students staying at home in the woods.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022
See All Example Sentences for unknowing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unknowing
Adjective
-
When a naïve piglet named Lucky (Gaten Matarazzo) rises to farmhouse leadership alongside the cunning boar Napoleon (Seth Rogen), the revolution sparked by their human farmer’s bankruptcy in the film‘s first act takes a turn for the fascist worse.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Not the naive version attempted in 2016.—
Emin Gün Sirer,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The idea that social media is the problem has become so widely accepted that many are probably unaware of the research on the impact of schools and academic pressure on kids’ and teens’ mental health.—
Jennifer Huddleston,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
For those who are unaware, the Sens are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since their Eastern Conference Finals run in 2017, and one fan decided to create a hype video to commemorate the occasion.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Abe told a judge at an April 27 proceeding that Allen has no prior arrests or convictions and is presumed innocent under the law.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Same goes for the three separate books that were pitched to me at the same time by the same publisher, all themed around why OJ Simpson is innocent.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The popularity of e-bikes and e-motos has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving lawmakers and law enforcement scrambling to regulate the bikes that are often used by young riders ignorant or disdainful of the rules of the road.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Trump is either too ignorant or mentally challenged — and dangerous — to continue as president.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Unfortunately, Apple AirTags can be used to track unsuspecting people.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Aasif Mandvi and Christopher Fitzgerald barely register as Jane and Julia’s oblivious husbands, while Consuelos, who plays Maurice as a suave cuckolder with a dodgy European accent, should probably stick to daytime TV.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Then, 15 meters later, a clueless cameraman stepped onto lane 1 from the infield, oblivious to the approaching pack.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
July 23 – August 22 Clarity today comes from keeping your message simple and grounded.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Rolder, an inexperienced but effective linebacker, could be an immediate impact player on special teams.—
Mike Kaye
April 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Regulation remains uneven, education is inconsistent, and the line between a manageable high and a harmful one isn’t always clear, especially for younger or inexperienced users.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unknowing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
