variants or naïve
Definition of naivenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word naive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of naive are artless, ingenuous, natural, and unsophisticated. While all these words mean "free from pretension or calculation," naive suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence.

politically naive

When can artless be used instead of naive?

The meanings of artless and naive largely overlap; however, artless suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others.

artless charm

When is it sensible to use ingenuous instead of naive?

Although the words ingenuous and naive have much in common, ingenuous implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions.

the ingenuous enthusiasm of children

When would natural be a good substitute for naive?

The synonyms natural and naive are sometimes interchangeable, but natural implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world.

her unaffected, natural manner

In what contexts can unsophisticated take the place of naive?

While in some cases nearly identical to naive, unsophisticated implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness.

unsophisticated adolescents

Example 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 naive Whitehead has long cultivated a faux-naïve persona in book talks and opinion pieces. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 There are definitely laughs in Maddie’s Secret, but the point of the movie is almost to get beyond them, to the place where naive hokum could yield moments of inexplicable resonance. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 19 June 2026 Season 2 follows two couples on a path of mutual destruction, one older and jaded and one young and naive. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Some of the sequel’s details are charmingly naive. Neil Oseman, Space.com, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for naive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naive
Adjective
  • But the document also made clear, as every criminal case must, that the charges were accusations and that the defendant was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
    Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Nearly two-dozen suspects are now off the streets after being charged with dozens of shootings involving innocent bystanders.
    Ali Bauman, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Undergraduate lending is largely unaffected.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • While iPhones remain unaffected for now, industry analysts like Tarun Pathak suggest this move reflects a broader shift in consumer electronics pricing.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tomatoes are susceptible to numerous diseases and environmental challenges that can impact plant growth and fruit production.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
  • Wood’s career was derailed by injuries, leading to worries of hard throwers being susceptible to blowing out pitching arms.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The questions Campbell needs to answer are simple.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 25 June 2026
  • Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The family of a 26-year-old man who was shot and killed in Fort Worth last week remembers his bright smile and genuine laugh.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • The film, based on Thomas Perry’s novel Strip, wears its influences — ranging from Elmore Leonard to Carl Hiaasen to Quentin Tarantino — heavily, without the genuine wit of many of its predecessors.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • This morning favors gentle starts and better listening, while the afternoon asks us to slow replies, check assumptions, and make our tone easier to understand.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
  • If CosRx can convince people to willingly slather snail mucin on their faces, trusting the brand with hair care is a pretty easy next step.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The subtext beneath that statement is that Syd recognizes why Tina might be loath to take orders from a boss who is younger and, relative to Carmy, inexperienced in the business.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Army investigations have repeatedly pointed to the same factors contributing to fatal training incidents including sleep deprivation, inadequate training and inexperienced leaders supervising high-risk exercises.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • The partner who honors their own limits stays honest.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Naive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naive. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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