as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the small-town boy's guilelessness is endearing, but it may not serve him well in the ruthless big city
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Recent Examples of guilelessness
On a humid evening in May, Patricia Lockwood, who writes with the impish verve and provocative guilelessness of a peeing cupid, was scanning the menu at a Mexican restaurant near her home, in Savannah, Georgia.
—
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilelessness
Noun
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The naturalness bias is deeply ingrained in Kennedy’s MAHA campaign, which aims to improve public health by returning to a more natural lifestyle.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The claims led to Rocky’s arrest and widespread headlines, but the rapper maintained his innocence.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Patterson, who maintained her innocence throughout the trial and said the poisonings were accidental, has 28 days to appeal her sentence.—
Alasdair Pal,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Those who enjoy the simplicity and ease of a hair serum will like Hers’s Minoxidil Solution.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
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The secret’s in the simplicity—and the rave reviews say it all.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Gibson’s book delves into her struggles with finances and health, as well as her complicated relationship with Diane, who died in 2022, with clear-eyed sincerity.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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The specifics matter less than the sincerity.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Gilbert’s colloquial style, once a source of great pleasure, has tipped into new territory—an ingenuousness that blends guru and disciple, mother and child.—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guilelessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guilelessness. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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