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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unwise
Lawler said there are differences of opinion on immigration policy, but that Haitian immigrants have become vital to his community and forcing them out would be unjust and unwise.
—
Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
To reveal more would be unwise.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
Reflexive partisanship is not just politically unwise but operationally untenable.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Don’t let false friends (or even well-meaning but financially unwise ones) pressure you into overspending.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unwise
Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
To reveal more would be unwise.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
Reflexive partisanship is not just politically unwise but operationally untenable.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Don’t let false friends (or even well-meaning but financially unwise ones) pressure you into overspending.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unwise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwise
Adjective
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If Florida is worried about China’s rise, dismantling educational and cultural exchanges is a foolish response.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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But the Stars should be trying to goad the Wild into foolish penalties.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Some neighbors greeted news of the project’s demise with relief, saying the location — a residential area with large swaths of undeveloped land — was inappropriate for a commercial venture.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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The bid documents show the company has settled at least 56 suits that alleged medical negligence or inappropriate medical care.—
Nichole Manna,
ProPublica,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Nothing gets Trump angrier than when one of his underlings is caught doing something stupid on videotape.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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But to those going to an upcoming show, for the love of God please shut up when Raye is sharing this story; a quiet room isn’t a license to yell stupid nonsense.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Not bad for a silly movie about killer worms from outer space.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
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The idea seemed silly at first — who would be interested in a bean box subscription?—
Angela Osorio,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Additional charges included 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.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
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To be fair, those imprudent claims were made without the benefit of seeing this evidence.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Part of me wants to blame the NFL for making the players walk four miles down that dumb tunnel after they're picked.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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Asking dumb questions is always my thing.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Still absurd to the average person, but a far cry from what Biles paid.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
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As paranoia festers and absurd regulations tighten their grip, suspicion replaces love, and truth itself begins to warp.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Maduko’s resignation comes after former chancellor Terrence Cheng was removed from his position and transferred into a new role, following a 2024 audit that showed improper spending on meals, alcohol and chauffeur services.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
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Earlier this month, Democratic Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig said her team is tracking 20 medical cases with improper care within ICE detention.—
Beret Leone,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwise. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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