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
Still, Dunk believes in himself, like any good hero, and people are drawn to his guilelessness.
—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2026
But there’s a guilelessness to everything Bella does, a trust in the universe and an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2026
But there’s a guilelessness to everything Bella does, a trust in the universe and an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilelessness
Noun
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As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.
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That ease and naturalness are paramount to Copeland.
Noun
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Through a statement released via a spokesperson, Carvalho maintained his innocence amid the federal investigation.
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After his release, Weger attempted to get a new trial for Oetting's murder, sticking to his claims of innocence.
Noun
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Light and Breezy One of the many virtues of the ’60s shift is its simplicity.
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The collection expressed an idea of contemporary simplicity, built through precise proportions, evolved materials and a new visual lightness.
Noun
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When an audience member posed a hypothetical choice between a flawed but distinctive film and a polished but unremarkable one, Leung said either would do, arguing that cinema’s goal was sincerity, in performance or in a director’s expression, rather than polish.
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Just when there are emotional moments of sincerity about healthcare denials causing bankruptcy and even death, the tone shifts with a joke about fan girls sending Mangione their underwear.
Noun
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What was once a poignant effort to extend a state of ingenuousness is now tainted from the start.
Cite this Entry
“Guilelessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guilelessness. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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