Definition of ignorantnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ignorant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ignorant are illiterate, unlearned, unlettered, and untutored. While all these words mean "not having knowledge," ignorant may imply a general condition or it may apply to lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing.

an ignorant fool
ignorant of nuclear physics

When could illiterate be used to replace ignorant?

Although the words illiterate and ignorant have much in common, illiterate applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write.

much of the population is still illiterate

When can unlearned be used instead of ignorant?

While the synonyms unlearned and ignorant are close in meaning, unlearned suggests ignorance of advanced subjects.

poetry not for academics but for the unlearned masses

In what contexts can unlettered take the place of ignorant?

The meanings of unlettered and ignorant largely overlap; however, unlettered implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading.

an allusion meaningless to the unlettered

Where would untutored be a reasonable alternative to ignorant?

The words untutored and ignorant can be used in similar contexts, but untutored may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization.

strange monuments built by an untutored people

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ignorant Dunk isn’t ignorant of what doing the right thing could cost him. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2026 Many of the event’s attendees were confused about — or ignorant of — what had occurred on the other side of the court house. Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026 On its face, the government's defense appears to be that the individuals behind these statements are ignorant or incompetent, or both. New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025 The citizens of Oz are treated as no more than an undifferentiated crowd of extras, an ignorant and finally disposable monolith. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignorant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignorant
Adjective
  • Obama just went about his job and didn’t send untrained, uneducated wannabe stormtroopers into cities to intimidate people with tremendous shows of force.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Additionally, data released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics in September revealed that nearly half of the country’s youth population, aged 18 to 30, is unemployed, uneducated, or lacking training.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even cursory nods to the pandemic as the root cause of neighbors turning against neighbors aren’t explored so much as they’re acknowledged, as if viewers are somehow unaware of the polarization plaguing America.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
  • However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office is disputing the clip to Fox News Digital, citing the department is unaware of any reports of a ski mask being found.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The activist also went full glam on her flight, looking radiant in bronzy makeup, complete with dark eyeliner, fluttery eyelashes, fluffy eyebrows, luminous skin, and glossy lips.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
  • More dark, romantic beauty inspiration.
    Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Miss Manners would be sorry to think that retirement had left you oblivious to the dynamics of life, which, indeed, lexicographers must follow.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Emma was oblivious to the cars, the don’t-walk signs, even the cold on this windy, 34-degree afternoon.
    Maeva Bambuck, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • All of Quigley’s challengers are politically inexperienced but impassioned Democrats running to the incumbent’s left.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The most common complaints include denying legitimate claims, partnering with inexperienced and unqualified service providers, poor service, and slow response times.
    Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • An illiterate laborer and cook, Lee joined the Shaking Quaker sect in 1758.
    Claire Messud, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
  • This cooking competition show takes a group of kitchen illiterate recruits and puts them through a culinary bootcamp designed to instill them with basic food prep skills.
    Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Even with Dibble effortlessly laying waste to every point and argument made by his benighted co-guest, Joe Rogan remained unconvinced.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Dec. 2025
  • With the midterm election still nearly a year off — and the 2028 presidential contest eons away — many of those angry or despondent over the benighted state of our union desperately wanted to do something to push back.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • No untutored voice, nor even sound of rushing car disturbed the seemingly sacred stillness of the hour.
    Erin Alberty, Axios, 14 Apr. 2025
  • His savage, untutored mind suggested no better way than that of wreaking vengeance upon those who had wronged him.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignorant. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ignorant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!