1
as in innocency
the quality or state of being free from guilt or blame
the accused embezzler eventually proved her innocence and was released
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the innocence of the child's question touched everyone present
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3
as in ignorance
the state of being unaware or uninformed
in my innocence I just assumed that quoted rate was for a week's stay and not for a single night at the health spa
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4
as in purity
the quality or state of being morally pure
in Melville's novel, the sailor Billy Budd serves as a symbol of absolute innocence
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of innocence
Aziz and Islam had maintained their innocence since their arrests.
—
Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026
His lawyers said Weinstein still maintains his innocence.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Baer appeared perplexed by this coy pretense of innocence.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Meantime, all presumption of innocence from me.
—Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026
His lawyers said Weinstein still maintains his innocence.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Baer appeared perplexed by this coy pretense of innocence.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Meantime, all presumption of innocence from me.
—Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
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That ease and naturalness are paramount to Copeland.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
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The slightly distressed finish of brown sneakers adds naturalness and ease that pairs harmoniously with the low profile of baggy jeans.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Both times, international and domestic West German news outlets expressed alarm about students’ ignorance.—
Daniela R. P. Weiner,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
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Our society seems to be spiraling into a vortex of callousness, ignorance, cynicism, violence, intolerance, and hate.—
Rabbi Dan Levin,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This high-purity gas serves as a direct, climate-friendly replacement for fossil fuels, capable of heating homes, generating electricity, and powering transportation using existing infrastructure.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Apr. 2026
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The town also has a pied piper of the purity police (Ana Gasteyer, in peak form) and a light-in-his-loafers mayor (Brad Oscar), who has a conveniently daft wife (Ann Harada, reprising her role from the series).—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Staples of French cuisine, these dishes are beloved for their elegant simplicity — and are must‑tries for any foodie.—
Toni Odejimi,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
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People really love her silent simplicity in a lot of ways.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Each year brings a new theme, embraced with staggering sincerity—and just a hint of competition.—
Cameron Sperance,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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People have a sense that there is a sincerity and authenticity and genuine concern for the environment that isn't just a marketing gimmick or a brand.—
Tony Biasotti,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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