Entry Word: innocent

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 free from sin <an innocent baby>

Synonyms pure

Related Words chaste, moral, virtuous; immaculate, spotless, unblemished, unstained, unsullied; decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, righteous, upright, virtuous; blameless, guiltless

Near Antonyms lascivious, lewd, lustful, unchaste; evil, immoral, iniquitous, reprobate, unrighteous, wicked; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, erring, fallen, lost, perverted; condemned, damned

Antonyms impure, sinful

2 free from guilt or blame <the robbery suspect was found to be innocent>

Synonyms blameless, clear, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, irreproachable

Related Words absolved, acquitted, cleared, exonerated, vindicated; ethical, law-abiding, moral, righteous, upright, virtuous

Phrases in the clear

Near Antonyms blamable, blameworthy, censurable, culpable, impeachable, indictable, punishable; accused, impeached, indicted; condemned, convicted; hangdog, shamed, shamefaced

Antonyms guilty

3 free from any intent to deceive or impress others <an innocent offer to sing before the gathering> — see guileless
4 lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment <an innocent young woman who felt a little out of place among her more sophisticated roommates> — see naive 1
5 not causing injury or hurt <good-natured teasing that is just innocent fun> — see harmless