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.

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

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

Because forecasters were caught unawares, so were local residents, who only expected perhaps a Category 2 storm.

From Scientific American • Oct. 25, 2023

They were taken unawares and couldn't salvage anything, she tells me as beads of tears roll down her face.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2023

The hosts of Morgul intent on their prey, taken at unawares in wild career, broke, scattering like sparks in a gale.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien