unsuspecting

adjective

ˌən-sə-ˈspek-tiŋ How to pronounce unsuspecting (audio)
Definition of unsuspectingnext
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment sidewalk vendors selling bogus gems to unsuspecting tourists

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unsuspecting Officials also fear that Chinese models could contain hidden security backdoors that could be used to essentially exfiltrate information from unsuspecting users. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 Other unsuspecting veterans have lasting impacts from various environmental exposures during service, too, including chemicals like TCE, PCE and Agent Orange. — Wuft News, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 That one-month delay prompted outrage from some Senate Republicans who say that too many such products are falling into the hands of often unsuspecting children. — Kevin Freking, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2026 In an interview with Fox News, Border Patrol Agent Jose Navarro said cartels may be exploiting unsuspecting members of the public, including rideshare drivers. — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuspecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuspecting
  1. naive
  2. innocent
  3. inexperienced
  4. simple
  5. unwary
Adjective
  • Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In just a few short weeks, his childish, naive world becomes brutally adult.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • Caught in the crossfire are innocent kids trying simply to stay in safety.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But on her path, Jean causes bodily and emotional harm to both Peter and numerous innocent bystanders by inhabiting their bodies and forcing them to do her bidding.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • There will be no lifeguards, and county rangers caution that the beach, like many along the Northern California coast, can have rip currents that pose a threat to inexperienced swimmers.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • So Harbaugh created this competition of two inexperienced kickers.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • The task seemed like a simple one for a digital agent, as the booking form was online.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mungiu refuses to supply easy answers or simple paths to identification in this compelling provocation, which poses unresolvable questions to viewers about our biases and presumptions.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Flatheads aren’t built for extended chases like their streamlined cousins, preferring instead to dart out from hiding and devour unwary prey.
    — Keith Sutton, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2026
  • Unless accelerated by a tanning bed, skin damage can take years, if not decades to develop, experts say, leaving today’s unwary youth at risk for early skin aging and lethal skin cancers such as melanoma.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 19 May 2026
Definition of unwary

Browse Nearby Words

unsuspected
unsuspecting
unsuspicious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsuspecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsuspecting. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unsuspecting

Nglish: Translation of unsuspecting for Spanish Speakers

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