1
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
photographs that capture the ingenuous smiles of young children at play
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2
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
the story of an ingenuous newcomer to the big city who outwits the slickers at their own game
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Recent Examples of ingenuous
Talk of a solution—of two states, of a confederation, of nearly any prospect for a secure and free mode of coexistence—has long been dismissed as either an ingenuous assertion of faith or a cynical pantomime, an empty gesture toward a future no one expects to see.
—
David Remnick, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
By the water’s edge, her insecure 25-year-old son, Konstantin (Kodi Smit-McPhee), is mounting a post-apocalyptic play in which his enduring love, ingenuous country girl Nina (Emma Corrin), can act.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025
There’s something soft about the play, a little ingenuous and underbrewed.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2024
Heathcliff, of course, is the prime example, growing from an ingenuous child into a glowering adult who spins all the considerable evil ever done to him — much of it based on race and class — into justification for his long game of retribution.
—Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 18 Oct. 2022
His greatest hope for the future, Meghan is a high school senior at a horsy boarding school in the Washington area and possibly the most ingenuous girl since Alice in Wonderland.
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022
David Remnick, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
By the water’s edge, her insecure 25-year-old son, Konstantin (Kodi Smit-McPhee), is mounting a post-apocalyptic play in which his enduring love, ingenuous country girl Nina (Emma Corrin), can act.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025
There’s something soft about the play, a little ingenuous and underbrewed.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2024
Heathcliff, of course, is the prime example, growing from an ingenuous child into a glowering adult who spins all the considerable evil ever done to him — much of it based on race and class — into justification for his long game of retribution.
—Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 18 Oct. 2022
His greatest hope for the future, Meghan is a high school senior at a horsy boarding school in the Washington area and possibly the most ingenuous girl since Alice in Wonderland.
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenuous
Adjective
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Ira Parker, the co-creator and showrunner behind A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, confirms these pests were a genuine issue when filming this big set piece.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The Senate approved its version (SB 7040) by a largely partisan vote of 29-10, after defeating a Democratic amendment to restrict the spending to genuine disasters.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Critics say Starmer was, at best, naive in not recognizing the risks involved.—
JILL LAWLESS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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Critics say Mandelson’s ties with Epstein made his appointment too risky and Starmer was, at best, naive.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In an email to employees, Chairman of the Board Michael Wichterich said Expand Energy's move to Houston will be completed by mid-2026 but promised the Oklahoma City workforce will be unaffected by the relocation.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
11 Feb. 2026
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Lids are generally more durable and can be reused multiple times, while parchment paper can only be reused a few times if its quality remains unaffected.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Chris Harrison sparked controversy Wednesday for a seemingly innocent request posted on social media.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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The modern Western culture around nudity really teaches you shame about something that is so human and natural and innocent.—
Nicola Dall'Asen,
Allure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The most important issue facing the county is ensuring that the felt needs of residents are prioritized, and that the community feels seen, heard and responded to through honest, timely communication.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Preparation before the storm, honest assessment after.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That simple sentiment distills what being a Louisianan is about.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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No doubt history would be very different if a citizen’s duty was simple obeyance.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But despite his characteristic command and media savvy, Jackson’s campaign never gained true momentum, scoring mixed results.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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This, however, is not true of US Skimo, which has been rapidly professionalizing as a governing body since the sport was announced as a future Winter Olympic event back in 2021.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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All of Quigley’s challengers are politically inexperienced but impassioned Democrats running to the incumbent’s left.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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The most common complaints include denying legitimate claims, partnering with inexperienced and unqualified service providers, poor service, and slow response times.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ingenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenuous. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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