unknowing

1 of 2

adjective

un·​know·​ing ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ How to pronounce unknowing (audio)
Synonyms of unknowingnext
: not knowing
became an unknowing accomplice to the crime
unknowingly
ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ-lē How to pronounce unknowing (audio)
adverb

unknowing

2 of 2

noun

: ignorance

Synonyms of unknowing

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Adjective

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Examples of unknowing in a Sentence

Adjective those unknowing people who think that the world is a kindly place are in for a rude awakening the poor woman has been the unknowing target of some pretty vicious gossip
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Like his Borat character, Cohen interviews people on the street as Ali G and often gets himself into hilarious and cringe-worthy situations with unknowing victims. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 22 July 2026 That changed in April 2023 when unknowing construction workers unceremoniously removed a disintegrating Pinky from its eyrie. — Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
The pandemic, after all, sliced history definitively into an unknowing before, an interminable during, and a maybe-one-day after. — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 The new season takes place at the fictional Oak Canyon Ranch Retreat, providing more areas for the cast — and thus more places for their unknowing star to roam. — Justin Ray, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unknowing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unknowing was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unknowing

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Browse Nearby Words

unknowen
unknowing
unknowledgeable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unknowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknowing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unknowing

adjective
un·​know·​ing
ˌən-ˈnō-iŋ
: not knowing
unknowingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unknowing

Nglish: Translation of unknowing for Spanish Speakers

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