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 Still running at full speed, Golden crashed into an unsuspecting Bears coach, who went tumbling to the ground after the blindside hit. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The Upland resident owns Young’s Automotive in Covina, according to the statement, where he is accused of placing the cameras to record unsuspecting victims using the bathroom. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Michael Conforto dumped a full beer down the back of an unsuspecting Carson Kelly while across the room Shota Imanaga threw his head back, opened his arms and let out a yell as assistant hitting coach Juan Cabreja uncorked the champagne. — Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 It’s set in the fictitious town of Raven’s Gulch, where a pair of evil twins likes to stalk and torture unsuspecting victims. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuspecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuspecting
  1. naive
  2. innocent
  3. inexperienced
  4. simple
  5. unwary
Adjective
  • Sutskever is portrayed as the idealistic, naive hero — the ingenious mind behind the lab’s entire existence who can’t stomach lying and is reluctant to accumulate any power.
    — Hayden Field, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Rebecca and Verity, which stars Johnson, are also about a new, naïve lover entering the home of a bad man with a wife hidden in his house of horrors.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • More than 150 innocent civilians were also killed in those strikes, according to a report released by the Pentagon this August.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In England, poet William Cowper portrayed Mai as an innocent corrupted by European society.
    — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • These experienced and skilled athletes, who are often 22 or 23 years old, are appealing to coaches, especially when compared with inexperienced and physically less developed freshmen.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Hafley also cautioned against placing the sole blame on Willis, who started just the 11th game of his career and is leading a young offense with mostly inexperienced receivers who are still developing chemistry.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The lack of close coordination between these simple details undermines the structure’s coherence and intent.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple
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, 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, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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