innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-sən(t)s 

1

a

: freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense

b

: freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : blamelessness

c

: lack of knowledge : ignorance

… written in entire innocence of the Italian language.

—E. R. Bentley

d(1)

: freedom from guile or cunning : simplicity

(2)

: lack of worldly experience or sophistication

e

: chastity

2

: one that is innocent

3

: bluet

Synonyms

• blamelessness
• faultlessness
• guiltlessness
• impeccability
• innocency
• irreproachability
• irreproachableness

Examples of innocence in a Sentence

He vows that he will prove his innocence in court.

the trusting innocence of childhood

The age of innocence was over.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sara successfully rescues her son Josh after proving her innocence at the end of Exterritorial. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 May 2025

Despite serving only five days of a five-month sentence, Smollett has maintained his innocence. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 May 2025

Set against the backdrop of the famous Hand of God World Cup controversy, the story explores poverty, childhood innocence and dark adult secrets. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025

By interfering with the presumption of innocence and the orderly administration of justice, the executive branch not only violated Flores-Ruiz’s rights but also attacked the constitutional role of the courts themselves. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing innocence

• in all innocence

Kids Definition

innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈin-ə-sən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being innocent

Legal Definition

innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-səns 

: freedom from fault or guilt under the law: as

a

: the state of not being guilty of a particular crime or offense compare guilt

b

: the state of not being guilty of an act that constitutes a ground for divorce

c

: ignorance on the part of a party to a transaction of facts that would lead a person of ordinary prudence to make inquiries