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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Recent Examples of childlike
Marc Jacobs has been exploring themes of childlike wonder in his last few shows.
—
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Feb. 2025
My brother navigated the single-lane, snaking roads with a mischievous, childlike grin.
—Sara Lieberman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025
My generation is holding on to our sense of childlike imagination.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childlike
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Feb. 2025
My brother navigated the single-lane, snaking roads with a mischievous, childlike grin.
—Sara Lieberman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025
My generation is holding on to our sense of childlike imagination.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childlike
Adjective
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The oldest boy of 11 children was determined to succeed, but not naive.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
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As naive as that may sound in a world where so many self-evident rights and wrongs are being routinely, dishonestly evaluated and reevaluated, the series elevates simple truths in ways that are downright inspirational.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The most effective solution lies in embracing genuine flexibility.—
Rob Lydic,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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With big sponsors such as Barclays, promoters like Live Nation and even investors like Blackrock, Vanguard and KKR now a target for activists, there’s a genuine fear that the tap could be turned off.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But it was intended to be a simple, three-course meal, the documents showed.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
16 Aug. 2025
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In North Carolina, Republicans are a few votes shy of a supermajority in one chamber but still control the redistricting process because the state’s congressional maps are not subject to veto and therefore can be passed by a simple majority in the legislature.—
Elena Shao,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And that’s both true in the Polo world and in the luxury space of Collection and Purple Label.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
7 Aug. 2025
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While some characters like Connie and Bobby literally grow, true to the show’s comedic approach, King of the Hill’s return underscores how whether in real or animated life, some people never change.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
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That clear difference of opinion represents an opportunity for Putin to portray the Ukrainians and the Europeans – not Russia – as the real obstacle to peace, potentially undermining Trump’s already shaky support for the Ukrainian war effort.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Fighting your natural rhythms guarantees mediocre output.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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That left the Fever without any healthy natural point guards, as Caitlin Clark remains out with a right groin injury.—
Chloe Peterson,
IndyStar,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Police describe it as a brazen, unsophisticated robbery that occurred around 5:30 p.m. on June 18, targeting a jewelry store on the 5100 block of Mowry Avenue in Fremont.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
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Although the answer was reasonable for an unsophisticated seller, the listing agent should have required confirmation of licensing status with the Registrar of Contractors.—
Christopher A. Combs,
AZCentral.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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