wide-eyed

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈīd 

1

: having or marked by unsophisticated or uncritical acceptance or admiration : naive

wide-eyed innocence

2

: having the eyes wide open especially with wonder or astonishment

Synonyms of wide-eyed

• naive
• innocent
• inexperienced
• simple

Examples of wide-eyed in a Sentence

a wide-eyed and trusting child

the sort of phony UFO "artifacts" that wide-eyed tourists fall for

Recent Examples on the Web

This is just one of many, many kinky situations Hoffman encounters as Elliot, a meek, wide-eyed college graduate who enters into a sadomasochistic relationship with gallery owner Erika Tracey (Olivia Wilde). — Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 July 2026

Kaitlin Olson made Dee’s own session a masterpiece of wide-eyed neediness, obsessively lying about her past and then demanding the shrink praise her for her acting prowess. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

The term instead invokes a journey marked by swashbuckling adventure, romantic wanderlust and wide-eyed curiosity. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

After an hour of intense discussion, panelists opened the floor for questions from the wide-eyed congregants. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wide-eyed

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Kids Definition

wide-eyed

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈīd

1

: having the eyes wide open especially with wonder or astonishment

2

: naive sense 2