Know-nothing — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ/ know-noth·ing

Meaning & Definition of Know-nothing

Know-nothing (noun)

  1. ignoramus
  2. agnostic
  3. a member of a 19th century secret American political organization hostile to the political influence of recent immigrants and Roman Catholics

Know-nothing (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a stupid person

    "often disparaged her coworkers as a bunch of know-nothings"

    opposite: brain, genius

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Know-nothing

The most common words with a similar meaning to Know-nothing:

British: clot, prat
Chiefly British: mug, nit
British dialect: cuddy
Chiefly dialect: loggerhead
Archaic: mome

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Know-nothing

Words with the opposite meaning of Know-nothing:

Near Antonyms of Know-nothing

Word Forms of Know-nothing

Derived words: know-nothing (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Know-nothing

First known use: 1812

Frequently Asked Questions about Know-nothing

What does "Know-nothing" mean?

"Know-nothing" means ignoramus. As a noun, it is defined as: ignoramus.

What is another word for "Know-nothing"?

Other words for "Know-nothing" include airhead, birdbrain, blockhead, bonehead, bubblehead, chowderhead, chucklehead and clodpoll. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Know-nothing" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Know-nothing"?

There are 105 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Know-nothing". Common alternatives include airhead, birdbrain, blockhead, bonehead, bubblehead, chowderhead, chucklehead, clodpoll, clot and cluck.

What is a slang word for "Know-nothing"?

Slang words for "Know-nothing" include dim bulb, doofus, dork, nimrod, schlub and schnook.

What is the opposite of "Know-nothing"?

Antonyms of "Know-nothing" include brain and genius. Near antonyms include intellect, intellectual, sage and thinker.

How do you use "Know-nothing" in a sentence?

Examples of "Know-nothing" in a sentence: "often disparaged her coworkers as a bunch of know-nothings".

Is "Know-nothing" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Know-nothing" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Know-nothing"?

"Know-nothing" is pronounced /ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ/ and divided into syllables as know-noth·ing.