unsuspecting

adjective

un·​sus·​pect·​ing ˌən-sə-ˈspek-tiŋ How to pronounce unsuspecting (audio)
Synonyms of unsuspectingnext
: unaware of any danger or threat : not suspecting
unsuspecting victims
unsuspectingly adverb

Synonyms of unsuspecting

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Examples of unsuspecting in a Sentence

sidewalk vendors selling bogus gems to unsuspecting tourists
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.
With control over the hijacked space, the attacker was now using the addresses to push malware masquerading as updates to unsuspecting users. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 Simply hide the ninja figures and wait for your unsuspecting victim to walk by when out of nowhere, the motion activation lets loose a very impolite noise sure to have your kids rolling. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Her content is mainly focused on chatting up unsuspecting males in public, whose reactions are secretly filmed. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Jury Duty has managed to deceive two unsuspecting do-gooders with civic duty and a company retreat. — Peter White, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuspecting

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsuspecting was in 1595

Rhymes for unsuspecting

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Browse Nearby Words

unsuspectedness
unsuspecting
unsuspectingly
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Cite this Entry

“Unsuspecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuspecting. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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