oblivious

[uh-bliv-ee-uhs] / əˈblɪv i əs /

ADJECTIVE

unaware, ignorant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blind deaf inattentive unconcerned unfamiliar uninformed

WEAK

absent absentminded absorbed abstracted amnesic blundering careless disregardful distracted dreamy forgetful forgetting gone heedless incognizant inconversant insensible neglectful negligent not all there out to lunch overlooking preoccupied regardless spacey strung-out unacquainted unconscious undiscerning uninstructed unknowing unmindful unnoticing unobservant unrecognizing unwitting zonked

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attentive aware

WEAK

concerned conscious mindful sensitive understanding

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.

And she adds: “The court’s apparently oblivious insistence to the contrary today cannot be squared with what Callais said on its face just over one month ago.”

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

The TV Dinner was an early, if unintended, step toward our current world in which unblinking people can’t look away from the screens they carry everywhere, oblivious to what is going on around them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Sánchez Bezos’ choice to reference “Madame X” is both knowing and blithely oblivious.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

In rare cases, a judge alone may preside over a trial in Australia, but if the case is heard before a jury, finding one oblivious to Roberts-Smith will be a challenge.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“So how did you two find yourselves here?” the prince asked, apparently oblivious to the hostility emanating from Jack.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Vocabulary lists containing oblivious

List 4

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A Raisin in the Sun

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

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