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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of callow
In discerning and grooming the callow and shallow Donald, Roy picks up on his starrily megawatt personality, likening him to Robert Redford.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for callow
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for callow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for callow
Adjective
-
Senior defensive tackle Braxton Fely’s radar is already up at the chance of facing another inexperienced QB.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Oct. 2025
-
In doing so, Sonny mentors a talented but inexperienced rookie named Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) and brings an unconventional style of racing to the track.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
After potting, pick off any flowers or immature fruit.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Move over manchildren, there are some women who would like to take your immature crown.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
No adolescent defiance or child’s anguish was visible on his face now.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Read more about the adolescent biology of sleep patterns.—
NPR,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The group, mainly millennials and young Gen Xers, grew up in the internet era and recognize how technology can switch up the status quo.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Despite the absentees, Arteta had experienced players like Ben White, Piero Hincapie and Christian Norgaard to call upon, as well as exciting young talent like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Callow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/callow. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share