know-nothing

noun

know-noth·​ing ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ How to pronounce know-nothing (audio)
Synonyms of know-nothingnext
1
a
: ignoramus
b
: agnostic
2
capitalized K&N : a member of a 19th century secret American political organization hostile to the political influence of recent immigrants and Roman Catholics
know-nothing adjective

Synonyms

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Examples of know-nothing in a Sentence

often disparaged her coworkers as a bunch of know-nothings
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After the know-nothing county board opts to raze the baseball diamond to make way for a school, the teams meet for one final game at their beloved Soldier’s Field, with girlfriends, kids, and local hooligans as intermittent spectators. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025 Even as Republicans embrace him as an iconoclast, Democrats and other critics have lambasted Kennedy as a know-nothing without the scientific or bureaucratic experience to do the job effectively. — Vox Staff, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of know-nothing was in 1812

Rhymes for know-nothing

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Cite this Entry

“Know-nothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-nothing. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

know-nothing

noun
know-noth·​ing
ˈnō-ˌnəth-iŋ
: a person who is ignorant : ignoramus
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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