as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the small-town boy's guilelessness is endearing, but it may not serve him well in the ruthless big city
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Recent Examples of guilelessness
Still, Dunk believes in himself, like any good hero, and people are drawn to his guilelessness.
—
Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
But there’s a guilelessness to everything Bella does, a trust in the universe and an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
But there’s a guilelessness to everything Bella does, a trust in the universe and an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilelessness
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
-
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
-
Here is your certificate of innocence’?—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Under California law, prisoners seeking parole may not be penalized for failing to admit wrongdoing, so Kovacich’s claim of innocence was not used against him, Tellman said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
27 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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Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.—
Joseph Maina,
semafor.com,
27 Mar. 2026
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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
Noun
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Gilbert’s colloquial style, once a source of great pleasure, has tipped into new territory—an ingenuousness that blends guru and disciple, mother and child.—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guilelessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guilelessness. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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