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.

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

The TV Dinner was an early, if unintended, step toward our current world in which unblinking people can’t look away from the screens they carry everywhere, oblivious to what is going on around them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Other firefighters, the claim alleges, were on duty inside the building the entire time — apparently oblivious.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

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

From Salon • May 6, 2026

As usual, the lights were blinking frantically and she had her back to them, as oblivious as that ill-omened wireless operator on the Californian the night the Titanic went down.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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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