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
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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
Remember, a pardon does not signify innocence, per the Department of Justice.
—
Peter White, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
Meaning to the innocence of childhood.
—Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025
Unrelated to the suit, Carver asked the state for a pardon of innocence in 2022.
—Ryan Oehrli
august 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2025
But even in her innocence, her positive energy was on full display when the family landed in Dallas.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Peter White, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
Meaning to the innocence of childhood.
—Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025
Unrelated to the suit, Carver asked the state for a pardon of innocence in 2022.
—Ryan Oehrli
august 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2025
But even in her innocence, her positive energy was on full display when the family landed in Dallas.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
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The naturalness bias is deeply ingrained in Kennedy’s MAHA campaign, which aims to improve public health by returning to a more natural lifestyle.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Knowledge-wise, science may be advancing, but, politically, its powers of persuasion are in retreat, in a moment defined, in many ways, by ignorance and narrow-minded grievance.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
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The best romance fiction has the ability to fundamentally change the genre at its core, offering happy endings where only ignorance has existed.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The concept of producing high-purity rare earths in America, outside of foreign influence, has been a front and center priority of both the current administration and across party lines in Congress.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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Stablecoins don't need to win on technical purity.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As for accessories, both mom and daughter opted for simplicity.—
Alessandro Cariani,
Glamour,
21 Aug. 2025
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That simplicity is a big draw for parents who want convenience without questionable ingredients.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Chiara and Carolina arrived with such sincerity, depth, and passion for storytelling.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Pressman [has] deep knowledge and sincerity.—
Julia Hass,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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