Find Synonyms

unawares Synonyms

Another word for unawares

Choosing another word for unawares depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adverb (Context 1)

Unexpectedly or by surprise; without prior warning or preparation (especially in the phrase 'catch' or 'take someone unawares').

Usage Example

"The sudden summer downpour caught the hikers completely unexpectedly."

Strongest
unexpectedly
off guard
by surprise
Strong
suddenly
abruptly
out of the blue

• adverb (Context 2)

Without realizing or being conscious of what is happening; unknowingly or inadvertently.

Usage Example

"While browsing the antique shop, they stumbled unknowingly upon a rare first-edition novel."

Strongest
unknowingly
unwittingly
inadvertently
Strong
unconsciously
unintentionally
accidentally

Opposites of unawares

The opposite of unawares shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

knowingly
consciously
wittingly
expectedly
intentionally
deliberately
on purpose
predictably
See all opposites of unawares

• Nearby Words

unaware
unawarely
unawareness
unawares
unbacked
unbaited
unbaked

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Unawares. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/unawares
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.