IGNORANT Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ignorant

adjective

ˈig-n(ə-)rənt

Definition of ignorant next

as in uneducated

lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books they may be poor, ignorant farmers, but they are not stupid

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unaware

not informed about or aware of something he was ignorant of their wedding plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Katie is, per her backstory, ignorant of what’s going on; Noel is a dim-bulb straight man, a bruiser with a good heart and a perpetually glazed look on his face. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024 To be ignorant of love is a willful choice when presented so honestly. —

Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2024 My ignorant questions perpetuated stereotypes, casting them into victim roles. —

Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024 Democrat Raul Ruiz, who represents Coachella in Congress, described Trump’s decision to appear in Coachella as appalling, clueless, and ignorant. —

John Phillips, Orange County Register, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ignorant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignorant

Adjective

The second group comprises uneducated individuals who engage in daily labor, working on both their own land and the land of others.

PhotoVogue, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024
If investors remain uneducated about the importance of self-custody, then any increase in demand will be met with an increase in the supply of paper bitcoin (also known as IOUs).

Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024