childlike

adjective

Definition of childlikenext
as in naive
resembling or suggesting a child; like that of a child a childlike honesty He had a childlike innocence that others found endearing.

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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 childlike The stoneware dishes, with their childlike design, candy-colored glazes, and divided compartments, might jog formative memories of Montessori sorting trays or vintage TV dinners. — Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 The audience meets Carrie, meek and childlike, on her first day of school. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 He was known for his sense of whimsy, childlike wonder, and a love of the natural world—many of his preferred designs were based on flora and fauna and yielded fantastical images like mermaids, butterflies, and much more. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Zoey The group’s youngest member, Zoey, is at the heart of it all and has a fun, childlike personality. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childlike
  1. naive
  2. genuine
  3. simple
  4. true
  5. real
  6. natural
  7. unsophisticated
Adjective
  • Mischa Glooshkoff, aka Michael Graves, has light brown curls, a wicked grin, and a wiry frame—perfect casting for the grand boulevardier who would lead my naïve young father astray.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • And how naive of me to believe that language could transcend grief.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • In an interview and written response, Benson said researchers who take funding from oil companies are motivated not by corporate agendas, but by genuine interest in the work.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • If tokenization can demonstrate meaningful capital formation and genuine secondary-market liquidity in sport, the implications could extend beyond it, supporting the broader adoption of tokenized assets across the economy.
    — Julian La Picque, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • According to Fulton County jail records, New has been arrested multiple times on suspicion of crimes including identity theft, insurance fraud, financial transaction card fraud, forgery and simple assault.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For this black jeans outfit idea, wear your go-to pair with a simple, breathable Oxford shirt that’s ideal for the office or dinner dates alike.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • For her, the recognition is a way to show people how to stay true to their art.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Not only were the stories never proven true, but also at least one student later admitted to lying.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • That so-fake-it’s-real argument has underpinned many provocative artistic movements over the years.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In short, this study showed how the material responds to mechanical force, temperature, and chemical changes, but its effectiveness in real propulsion systems remains to be established.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • The menu focused on clean, whole ingredients, sacrificing robust seasoning to let the natural flavors shine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • An elfin force of nature with the natural showmanship of someone who takes hospitality seriously, Leo has the charisma to command the loyalty of his fresh-faced staff—and the pragmatism to resent the Labour Party’s business reforms.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of natural
Adjective
  • Although the costuming department appears to have bought out every pinstripe rayon fabric available in a 50-mile radius of the Italian villa where the series is filmed, The Mob is remarkably unsophisticated.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • What shocked him was how unregulated—and unsophisticated—the rental market seemed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsophisticated

Browse Nearby Words

childishness
childlike
children
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Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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