know better
idiom
1
: to be smart or sensible enough not to do something
You walked home alone? Don't you know better (than that)?
She'll know better than to trust them again.
There's no excuse for his behavior. He's old enough to know better.
Don't blame him. He's just a child and he doesn't know (any) better.
2
: to know or understand the truth about something
She tried to tell me that it wasn't her fault, but I know better.
3
: to know or understand more than other people
You can't tell him what to do. He always thinks that he knows better.
Examples of know better in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Better to have your personal conversations out of his earshot — but not before pointing out that a man ought to know better than to follow a woman to her car.
—
Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
This piece combines a supporting character palette with a leading lady frame to make something perfect for those who have a hankering to whitewash but know better.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Any good, law-abiding citizens would know better than to put themselves in harm’s way.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Second, be more willing to bow to others who know better.
—Big Think, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for know better
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Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
This piece combines a supporting character palette with a leading lady frame to make something perfect for those who have a hankering to whitewash but know better.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Any good, law-abiding citizens would know better than to put themselves in harm’s way.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Second, be more willing to bow to others who know better.
—Big Think, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for know better
Cite this Entry
“Know better.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know%20better. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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