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
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Adjective
One of the strongest scenes in this episode is Maeve teaching the unknowing captive Sam how to swim. — Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 The detective, once the exemplar of reason, drifts here into a fog of unknowing. — Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
One of the strongest scenes in this episode is Maeve teaching the unknowing captive Sam how to swim. — Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 The detective, once the exemplar of reason, drifts here into a fog of unknowing. — Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025 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 7 Jul. 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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