unawares

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.

Harteveldt also said the airlines are making schedule changes well ahead of peak summer travel season so as not to catch travelers unawares.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Federal prosecutors disagreed, indicating they were caught unawares by his removal and still hoped to bring Flores to trial — if he ever returns to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

Although heavy rain had been battering the area for hours, many, like Guillermo Serrano Pérez and his family, were caught unawares by the force of the floods.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

The entire plot is driven by Blackthorne’s revelation that even the Christian lords’ European allies are secretly building an army with which they intend to take all of Japan unawares.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2024

With this benediction, abruptly, he set oiT running; and I, caught unawares, ran after him, and within a few steps had mastered his pace.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson