1
as in aware
having inside information
exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smart
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
knowing movie producers do not invest their own money in their risky ventures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conscious
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
a knowing waiver of his rights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in considered
decided on as a result of careful thought
with knowing equivocation, the witness responded to the question without really answering it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in understanding
to have a practical understanding of
a career diplomat who knows several languages a fan who really knows baseball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
knows full well how nerve-racking it can be to speak in public
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in seeing
to have a clear idea of
I think I know what you're trying to say
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 knowing
Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Offering support at key moments is a knowing, keen-eyed librarian (Jessica Harper), a mysterious book about the hidden history of magical women, and suddenly clearer memories of her devoted mom (Kerry O’Malley), who may have had her own privately liberating nocturnal existence.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Finding Trans Community in Airport Security Writer Samantha Allen on the knowing nods that create comfort in a hostile space.
—Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024
Brown, in response, gave the singer a knowing look before bursting into laughter and putting her hands to her chin.
—EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for knowing
Adjective
The receptionist watches her leave with a knowing look — there is more to come here.
—Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
Offering support at key moments is a knowing, keen-eyed librarian (Jessica Harper), a mysterious book about the hidden history of magical women, and suddenly clearer memories of her devoted mom (Kerry O’Malley), who may have had her own privately liberating nocturnal existence.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Finding Trans Community in Airport Security Writer Samantha Allen on the knowing nods that create comfort in a hostile space.
—Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024
Brown, in response, gave the singer a knowing look before bursting into laughter and putting her hands to her chin.
—EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for knowing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowing
Adjective
-
Gong and his family members are aware of the filmmakers, even mention the filming, yet remain largely unselfconscious in front of the cameras.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Everyone inside the clubhouse is aware of baseball mortality.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The style is a challenge: should their comedy be smart and savvy or broad and easy-going?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Light enough to layer over tights or leggings in colder weather, these pants are a smart choice for sightseeing or hiking in rainy conditions, but they can easily be dressed up with a cute blouse or blazer.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Most of them went by quickly enough to evade conscious perception, but the overall effect was unsettling.—
Rob Salkowitz,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
But the players around him will need to be conscious defensively to get the most out of him.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
It’s best experienced within the confines of Shannon’s film, even if that ultimately means many moments of profound discomfort.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Back then, there were more established and experienced people by his side.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Many people have perceived his walking off set and the Instagram story as a deliberate snub.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Be deliberate about your communications with the federal agency and offer any questions and rebuttals in writing.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
It’s also helped that the rest of the blue line has had more freedom to take calculated risks and join plays on offence, which has allowed the club to generate scoring chances at a healthy rate recently.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Leaders in any field can learn from their ability to anticipate needs before they are recognized, challenge assumptions, and embrace calculated risks.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Purdy’s story is a reminder that having – or paying – a curious technology person can pay off in a number of ways for your company.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
-
And that's the unique aspect of having unified control of the government.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowing. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share