unwary

1 of 2

adjective

un·​wary ˌən-ˈwer-ē How to pronounce unwary (audio)
Synonyms of unwarynext
: not alert : easily fooled or surprised : heedless, gullible
cheats unwary tourists
unwarily
ˌən-ˈwer-ə-lē How to pronounce unwary (audio)
adverb
unwariness
ˌən-ˈwer-ē-nəs How to pronounce unwary (audio)
noun

unwariness

2 of 2

noun

un·​wariness "+ How to pronounce unwariness (audio)
: the quality or state of being unwary : heedlessness, indiscretion

Synonyms of unwary

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Adjective

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Examples of unwary in a Sentence

Adjective The fast-moving tide sometimes surprises unwary swimmers. e-mail scams that take advantage of unwary recipients
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
However, the modern versions that are packed with high explosives and sit lurking under the dirt to blow up unwary vehicles or pedestrians are much nastier affairs. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026 Toronto traffic was relentless, the streets jammed, and cyclists zipping among the halting cars posed a hazard to unwary pedestrians. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unwary

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwary was in 1579

Rhymes for unwary

See All Rhymes for unwary

Browse Nearby Words

unwarranted
unwary
unwashed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwary. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unwary

adjective
un·​wary ˌən-ˈwa(ə)r-ē How to pronounce unwary (audio)
-ˈwe(ə)r-, 
ˈən-
: not alert : easily fooled or surprised : heedless, gullible
the unwary buyer
unwarily
-ˈwar-ə-lē How to pronounce unwary (audio)
-ˈwer-
adverb
unwariness
-ˈwar-ē-nəs How to pronounce unwary (audio)
-ˈwer-
noun
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