as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
she was an easygoing, guileless young woman who was comfortable just being herself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 guileless
Mickey 17 is as guileless as Candide, while his successor is more aggressive and shifty-eyed.
—
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
By contrast, Roman is sincere and guileless.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
And Norton’s flawless portrayal of a guileless kid who might be suffering from multiple personality disorder is worth the admission price alone.
—Tomris Laffly, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
In the book, Dave depicted Toph (short for Christopher) as a guileless kid, the personification of hope.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for guileless
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
By contrast, Roman is sincere and guileless.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
And Norton’s flawless portrayal of a guileless kid who might be suffering from multiple personality disorder is worth the admission price alone.
—Tomris Laffly, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
In the book, Dave depicted Toph (short for Christopher) as a guileless kid, the personification of hope.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for guileless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guileless
Adjective
-
That leaves Wednesday’s release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting as the main economic report to watch in the coming week as the central bank is self-funded and unaffected by the shutdown.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
6 Oct. 2025
-
While federal workers are not being paid and most offices are not offering services, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits are unaffected.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These best-selling shoes are constructed with 100 percent genuine suede and feature a cork footbed, deep heel cup, and a plush inner lining that feels snug and soft on your feet.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The head coach wants genuine competition, plus options and an ability to change approach depending on the opposition and what is required.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As with all investigations leading to arrest, the subjects of the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The new dating term 'Shrekking' sounds innocent.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Anonymity also allows the scouts to be completely honest, without fear of reprisals.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
At the time, the Times responded by affirming a commitment to honest dialogue and mutual respect among colleagues.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Watching my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt serve as loyal members of this sorority shaped my understanding of what true sisterhood and service look like.—
Essence,
Essence,
3 Oct. 2025
-
With markets looking unperturbed, that might turn out true sooner if nothing serious comes in the way of the bulls.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Jane’s voice shifts from that of a naïve girl to that of a capable young woman as Laser traces her path out of the wilderness.—
AudioFile Magazine
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His hesitation has been seen publicly as naïve and risky, eroding faith in the monarchy.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guileless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guileless. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share