The phrase "catching unawares" means taking someone by surprise or unexpectedly. Antonyms for this phrase would include words like predictable, expected, prepared, and foreseen. If someone is anticipating an event or situation, they would be less likely to be caught unawares. Additionally, if a person is prepared for an unexpected event, they would not be caught unawares. Antonyms for "catching unawares" also include words like forewarned, alerted, and warned. Being warned of something ahead of time would make it unlikely for someone to be taken by surprise, eliminating the possibility of catching someone unawares.