UNSUSPECTING Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

unsuspecting

adjective

ˌən-sə-ˈspek-tiŋ

Definition of unsuspecting

as in naive

lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment sidewalk vendors selling bogus gems to unsuspecting tourists

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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 The movement feels fluid but also brutally impactful when Wolvie lands claws-first on an unsuspecting enemy with a thud. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 The record-breaking Los Angeles Lakers sale, announced Wednesday to a largely unsuspecting audience, is packed with intrigue. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Curtis worries the bait used to reel in these apex predators is taking them dangerously close to the beach and unsuspecting swimmers. — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 The bulbous growths on the ends of the mycelia burst, releasing even more spores into the air to infect even more unsuspecting ants. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuspecting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuspecting

Adjective

Only the most naïve of lawmakers believe there won’t be consequences to taxpayers that will lead to their constituents paying more taxes.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of naive

Adjective

Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 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

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“Unsuspecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsuspecting. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsuspecting

adjective

Example Sentences

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