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 But the film overflows with childlike wonder, a comic-strip dream of girls next door and nerdy weirdoes growing muscles with puberty. — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026 With her second album ‘Paracosm’ and a global tour alongside sisters Raye and Amma, the 22-year-old has returned to childlike joy—and therefore, herself. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026 So, in a childlike way, ‘Rowing the Boat’ is all not looking at our differences. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026 Images of shape-shifting witches and cursed doors blur the lines between reality and the twins’ childlike imagination. — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 22 July 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
  • Only the most naïve of lawmakers believe there won’t be consequences to taxpayers that will lead to their constituents paying more taxes.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • The service Professionalism comes with genuine warmth, cheerfulness, and a sense of people absolutely loving their jobs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Apple says its genuine threat notifications will never ask you to click a link, open a file, install an app or profile, or give someone your Apple Account password or verification code by email or phone.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Among those in the record crowd was former Orlando Magic star Grant Hill, whose daughter Lael is a true freshman defender from Windermere for the Gators and a product of Lake Highland Prep.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • For localization, Voithru’s Totus offers AI dubbing across 29 languages, and XL8 brings both MediaCAT and EventCAT for video localization and real-time interpretation.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • All 350 potential scenarios are tailor-made, and some are influenced by real events, from both sides of the political divide.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • Kassebaum Baker died Friday of natural causes, according to her son, Bill Kassebaum.
    — John Hanna, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The guidance comes after residents cited noise, effects on wildlife and a desire to preserve natural areas used for recreation, hunting and fishing, according to a press release from the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of natural
Adjective
  • Sophisticated scams The days of thinking of scammers as unsophisticated, disjointed actors are over in 2026, according to Yoon.
    — Ella Moore July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Phishing remains one of the most effective means of gaining access to accounts, despite the relatively unsophisticated technical prowess required.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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