1
as in innocency
the quality or state of being free from guilt or blame
the accused embezzler eventually proved her innocence and was released
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the innocence of the child's question touched everyone present
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3
as in ignorance
the state of being unaware or uninformed
in my innocence I just assumed that quoted rate was for a week's stay and not for a single night at the health spa
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4
as in purity
the quality or state of being morally pure
in Melville's novel, the sailor Billy Budd serves as a symbol of absolute innocence
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of innocence
Following six years of vainly protesting his innocence, Dantès resolves to starve himself to death.
—
Michael Dirda, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
All defendants maintained their innocence and appealed after a two-year trial that opened a Pandora's box of unwanted revelations about papal ransom payments to Islamic militants, Vatican vendettas, espionage and other dirty laundry of the Holy See.
—Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
His attorney has declined to discuss the case publicly but says his client maintains his innocence.
—Brian New, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
In the juvenile system, detention is intended to be short term and is generally used prior to an adjudication, the determination of someone’s guilt or innocence.
—Jeffrey Shook, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Michael Dirda, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
All defendants maintained their innocence and appealed after a two-year trial that opened a Pandora's box of unwanted revelations about papal ransom payments to Islamic militants, Vatican vendettas, espionage and other dirty laundry of the Holy See.
—Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
His attorney has declined to discuss the case publicly but says his client maintains his innocence.
—Brian New, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
In the juvenile system, detention is intended to be short term and is generally used prior to an adjudication, the determination of someone’s guilt or innocence.
—Jeffrey Shook, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
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The slightly distressed finish of brown sneakers adds naturalness and ease that pairs harmoniously with the low profile of baggy jeans.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2026
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In 1995, Taschen published his first book, which made a stir with portraits of soft, indirect illumination, emphasizing naturalness.—
Steve Appleford,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For most of its history and prehistory, the human race has lived in various states of ignorance and wonder.—
Robert Pogue Harrison,
The New York Review of Books,
19 Mar. 2026
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Keenan had spent time in the Peace Corps and had drifted around the world afterward, coming away with the conception that Americans’ ignorance of other cultures had led the country directly into the wood chipper of Vietnam.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Blue, clear water is almost our definition of purity.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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Some beetroot supplements have tested positive for trace heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, so experts recommend choosing powders that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Fishy Fishy, a longtime staple, stays faithful to what’s just come off the boat, while Catch of the Day turns a waterfront food truck into a lesson in simplicity done right.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
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Choice Home Warranty focuses on simplicity with two plans and is a more budget-friendly option for essential coverage.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The sincerity of this aim can sometimes run counter to the sharp, excruciatingly realistic satire that’s previously been the show’s bailiwick, and sometimes still is.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2026
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The program felt unruly, bouncing between satire, sincerity and outright extravaganza.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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