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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Even Portugal, who have been naive defensively but have considerable pace in attack, could threaten in transition, and Italy will need to shore up that element of their game to avoid being caught out.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
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How did an obscure, scientifically naive mining society discover the wheel, when highly advanced civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians, did not?—
Kai James,
JSTOR Daily,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Plaintiff Phone Discovery: Critical Strategic Elements Successful phone discovery requires understanding several strategic elements that can significantly improve outcomes: The Education Component: Many resistance issues stem from genuine misunderstanding about what cell phone forensics involves.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Whether a genuine belief or a strategic alliance, Drake’s claim places him firmly in the heart of a cultural tug-of-war.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The mower mulches the grass into super fine clippings and catches them in the attached bag, which was simple to remove and empty.—
Brandi Fuller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
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Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Designed to manipulate the masses and unveil their true demonic nature, the song draws crowds toward Gwi-Ma’s deadly flames — nearly succeeding in their sinister plan until Rumi steps in to stop them.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Judkins’ ex, according to the report, told him the messages weren’t true, then Judkins punched her in the mouth.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The only thing more impressive is the cast's ability to maintain real, long-term relationships despite spending nearly two decades playing some of the most awful characters on TV.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
9 July 2025
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If no deal is reached by August, there is a real danger that President Trump will impose high tariffs.—
Myron Brilliant,
Time,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The two 15-micron Merino wool jerseys are offered in different weights, created with advance performance via thermoregulation, odor resistance, natural elasticity and ease of care in mind.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
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The natural linen and cane come together beautifully with the wood accents.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Gale was deemed old-fashioned and her focus on small-town Midwestern life was thought to be unsophisticated.—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
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But the grammar movies and television use to dramatize such crimes remains by and large unsophisticated.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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