having information, awareness, or understanding of something, showing that one has knowledge or awareness that is secret or known by only a few people

knowing full well, a knowing wink, a knowing smile

Formal and Informal Expressions of knowing

In different contexts, you can replace 'knowing' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'aware, informed, cognizant' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'with-it, clued-in, in-the-know' is a commonplace synonym.

knowing: Explore its Definition & Usage

knowing Definition

1having information, awareness, or understanding of something
2showing that one has knowledge or awareness that is secret or known by only a few people

Using knowing: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "knowing" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She had a knowing look on her face.
Example
He spoke with a knowing tone.
Example
I could tell from his knowing smile that he was up to something.
Example
She gave me a knowing nod.

knowing Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for knowing

Antonyms for knowing

Phrases with knowing

knowing full well
to be aware of something and its consequences
Example
He went ahead with the plan, knowing full well that it could end badly.
a knowing wink
a gesture made with one eye that suggests shared knowledge or understanding
Example
She gave him a knowing wink to let him know that she understood what he meant.
a knowing smile
a smile that suggests that the person knows something that others do not
Example
He gave her a knowing smile, which made her feel uneasy.

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Summary: knowing in Brief

The term 'knowing' [ˈnəʊɪŋ] refers to having information, awareness, or understanding of something. It can also describe a person who shows that they have knowledge or awareness that is secret or known by only a few people. Examples include 'She had a knowing look on her face' and 'He spoke with a knowing tone.' Phrases like 'knowing full well' and 'a knowing wink' further illustrate this concept.