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Showing results for unawares.
Definitions

unawares

[uhn-uh-wairz] / ˌʌn əˈwɛərz /
ADVERB
without warning; suddenly
Synonyms
STRONG
short
WEAK
aback abruptly accidentally by accident by mistake by surprise carelessly ignorantly inadvertently mistakenly off guard sudden surprisingly unconsciously unexpectedly unintentionally unknowingly unprepared unready unwittingly
Antonyms
WEAK
consciously knowingly

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

He "sent it" around the outside with full commitment, and caught Piastri - an instinctive and clinical racer himself, normally - unawares.

From BBC • May 18, 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

Or could they be creatures of the warlocks, meant to take me unawares!

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin