1. the quality of being knowing; awareness or understanding, especially of something secret or private
2. a shrewd or worldly-wise manner; sophistication

Examples

• There was a certain knowingness in her smile that suggested she understood more than she let on.
• His knowingness about the art world impressed the gallery owners.
• The child’s knowingness about adult matters concerned her parents.
• She spoke with the knowingness of someone who had traveled extensively.
• The detective’s knowingness helped him solve cases that baffled others.
• Her knowingness came across as arrogance to some people.