Definitions

oblivious

[uh-bliv-ee-uhs] / əˈblɪv i əs /

ADJECTIVE

unaware, ignorant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blind deaf inattentive unconcerned unfamiliar uninformed

WEAK

absent absentminded absorbed abstracted amnesic blundering careless disregardful distracted dreamy forgetful forgetting gone heedless incognizant inconversant insensible neglectful negligent not all there out to lunch overlooking preoccupied regardless spacey strung-out unacquainted unconscious undiscerning uninstructed unknowing unmindful unnoticing unobservant unrecognizing unwitting zonked

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attentive aware

WEAK

concerned conscious mindful sensitive understanding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Their first game is against Haiti, but some of the Tartan Army have arrived to be greeted by Americans who are oblivious to the reason they are here.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

And she adds: “The court’s apparently oblivious insistence to the contrary today cannot be squared with what Callais said on its face just over one month ago.”

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Sánchez Bezos’ choice to reference “Madame X” is both knowing and blithely oblivious.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Other overachieving systems—including the active hydraulic roll stabilization, the rear-wheel steering, even the acoustically insulated convertible top, your honor—contributed to my oblivious delinquency.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Though the May in the picture seemed oblivious to it, a small, familiar blue flame burned on the wall right behind her.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Vocabulary lists containing oblivious

List 4

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A Raisin in the Sun

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

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