as in inexperienced
lacking in adult experience or maturity
a story about a callow youth who learns the value of hard work and self-reliance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of callow
For me, DiCaprio, now pushing 50, nevertheless almost always seems too callow, too green, for the roles he’s called upon to play, especially in his many Scorsese films.
—
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2023
These comments expressed the callow moral vanity at the core of EA.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 16 Nov. 2022
Even with a callow receiving corps that has earned his wrath at times, A-Rod is a problem.
—Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Sep. 2022
But mostly, this dark-cornered, sinister place, which is being minded by callow young caretaker Rakib (Kevin Ardilova), feels eerily still and expectant, like a spiderweb waiting for the return of its spider.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 29 Sep. 2022
See All Example Sentences for callow
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2023
These comments expressed the callow moral vanity at the core of EA.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 16 Nov. 2022
Even with a callow receiving corps that has earned his wrath at times, A-Rod is a problem.
—Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Sep. 2022
But mostly, this dark-cornered, sinister place, which is being minded by callow young caretaker Rakib (Kevin Ardilova), feels eerily still and expectant, like a spiderweb waiting for the return of its spider.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 29 Sep. 2022
See All Example Sentences for callow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for callow
Adjective
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After hatching, the immature cicadas or nymphs spend 17 or 13 years underground, feeding on roots, then emerge during the spring and transform into adult cicadas.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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And babies younger than six months old—who are ineligible for vaccination because of their immature immune system—have the highest rates COVID hospitalization after adults aged 75 and older.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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With its whip-smart satire and adolescent vulnerability, the movie catapulted Williamson into the Hollywood spotlight.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
19 June 2025
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Researchers reviewing camera trap footage from a remote island off Panama found that a group of adolescent capuchin monkeys were routinely kidnapping baby howler monkeys and carrying them around like accessories.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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But the real treat for me was meeting all these young people who are so extraordinary.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
23 June 2025
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Rowan is a funny, playful, and high-spirited young boy who keeps everyone around him smiling.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Callow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/callow. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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