Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for know-nothing. Search instead for knw-nothingism.
Definitions

know-nothing

[noh-nuhth-ing] / ˈnoʊˌnʌθ ɪŋ /




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.

His know-nothing rabble-rousing appalled progressives who otherwise admired him for his principled stands against the Vietnam War and in favor of campaign finance reform.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

The effort always includes promotional videos, such as one this summer featuring a know-it-all who is exposed as a know-nothing because he doesn’t know where tickets are sold.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2022

Hopkins believes we’re all deeply lonely, and acknowledging that, along with our know-nothing state, is liberating.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2021

I have to admit that my attempt to get folks to confront their know-nothing relatives over Thanksgiving and report back on any success was a total bust.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2019

“These know-nothing kids thinking Ali could’ve taken Joe Louis.”

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "know-nothing" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com