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

When asked why the riverside summer camp was not evacuated, officials said the sudden scale of the deluge caught them unawares.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

As the plane door opened, the couple were caught unawares.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

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

When they rounded a corner, they flattened themselves fast against the building to catch what followed unawares moving steadily forward.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston