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 An unusual black box near the American Museum of Natural History’s (AMNH) iconic blue whale lures unsuspecting visitors to one of the museum’s most dramatic displays. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unsuspecting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsuspecting
  1. naive
  2. innocent
  3. inexperienced
  4. simple
  5. unwary
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
  • When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.
    — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In a cruel coup de grace, Acosta reached into Shuler’s bag to steal an item while the innocent customer was still alive, prosecutors said.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • The Holbrook sisters are undersocialized and inexperienced with the world, and Herzog sees them as figures out of a fable, dreamers who talk incessantly about love and seem connected to the elemental and the ancient.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • When someone with 20 years of expertise is willing to look inexperienced for 20 minutes, everyone else gets permission to learn.
    — Pankaj Prasoon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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