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
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
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Jokic didn’t overtake Jamal Murray as Denver’s leading scorer until their seventh game of the season, after a 33-point performance Wednesday against a Miami Heat frontcourt that was woefully undersized and inexperienced the instant Bam Adebayo exited with a foot injury.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
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Henderson has struggled in that role as a rookie, and Jennings is inexperienced at the pro level.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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After potting, pick off any flowers or immature fruit.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Nov. 2025
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Move over manchildren, there are some women who would like to take your immature crown.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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No adolescent defiance or child’s anguish was visible on his face now.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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Read more about the adolescent biology of sleep patterns.—
NPR,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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 30 Nov. 2025.
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