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Definitions

unwitting

[uhn-wit-ing] / ʌnˈwɪt ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
without fully realizing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
forgetful inadvertent uninformed unsuspecting
WEAK
accidental aimless chance comatose haphazard ignorant incognizant inconversant innocent involuntary numb oblivious senseless unacquainted unaware unconscious undesigned unfamiliar uninstructed unintended unintentional unknowing unmeant unmindful unplanned unthinking
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attentive
WEAK
conscious intentional realizing witting

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.

“Jury Duty” which sneaked up on the world in 2023, inserted an unwitting ordinary person into a prearranged courtroom scenario otherwise populated by actors.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Mercader seduced Ageloff, who would become an unwitting pawn in the murder of one of her heroes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

But in other cases, managers may be taking advantage of unwitting investors.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Now unwitting spectators are yelling fault, filing noise complaints and petitions to curb playing hours that have left authorities in a pickle.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

From Red Caps they moved on to kappas, creepy water-dwellers that looked like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands itching to strangle unwitting waders in their ponds.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.