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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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
-
And if anyone was naive enough to imagine the U.S.-led tournament in 2026 would be free of such political baggage, then surely the increasingly public proximity of the Trump-Infantino relationship has dispelled those illusions.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
Biography Ellmann-style was left looking hopelessly naive in its effort to understand the work by understanding its writer’s life.—
Eric Bulson,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Today's audiences—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—are savvy, diverse, and crave genuine representation and storytelling.—
Isaac Mizrahi,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Coach Wall was a remarkable individual whose kindness and genuine spirit touched all who knew him.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
-
Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
-
Country singer Gavin Adcock proved that to still be true by slamming the March 2024 LP, which is charting ahead of his forthcoming effort, Own Worst Enemy, during a rant at his recent concert.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Jordan Campbell: What Filipe Luis has created at Flamengo is a real testament to what having a clear coaching vision can do.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
The person behind the schoolboy video, which defended Duterte, claimed to the news agency that the views shared were collected from real students.—
Cecilia Hult,
Fortune,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Plums make their presence known along roadsides and in natural areas in spring when fragrant white blooms cover their bare branches.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
-
But their back-and-forth reveals a natural chemistry between the two writers.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Thus even relatively unsophisticated cybercriminals can access the latest tools to commit their crimes.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
-
During arguments on Wednesday, Megan Savard — attorney for Carter Hart — said that Howden was an unsophisticated, inarticulate witness who didn’t even dress properly for court.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share