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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Pham said two Louvre employees questioned in the case have been told not to return to their jobs during the investigation, while also underscoring their presumption of innocence until the investigation and proceedings are completed.
—
Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
McIntyre’s case eventually came to the attention of Cheryl Pilate, a Kansas City attorney who worked with Centurion Ministries, a nonprofit that investigates incarcerated people’s claims of innocence.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Even after the conviction, Rodwell has maintained his innocence, citing a lack of physical evidence in the case and credibility of the prosecution’s two star witnesses.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
After decades of maintaining his innocence, Vedam’s conviction was thrown out by a judge in August after it was revealed that prosecutors had withheld potentially critical ballistics evidence during his two trials.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
McIntyre’s case eventually came to the attention of Cheryl Pilate, a Kansas City attorney who worked with Centurion Ministries, a nonprofit that investigates incarcerated people’s claims of innocence.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Even after the conviction, Rodwell has maintained his innocence, citing a lack of physical evidence in the case and credibility of the prosecution’s two star witnesses.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
After decades of maintaining his innocence, Vedam’s conviction was thrown out by a judge in August after it was revealed that prosecutors had withheld potentially critical ballistics evidence during his two trials.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
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In 1995, Taschen published his first book, which made a stir with portraits of soft, indirect illumination, emphasizing naturalness.—
Steve Appleford,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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The filmmakers on Saturday also discussed working with children on set, with both lauding young people’s naturalness and authenticity.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That is why the spirit of the most racist president in the last 125 years must be remembered so the hate and ignorance can never be repeated.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
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Mehdi Tafti, a neurophysiologist and a geneticist, said that the unsolved mystery of short sleepers reveals our ignorance about how sleep works.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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By treating purity as a design parameter, engineers can now develop materials that thrive in the most punishing environments, such as hypersonic flight and extraterrestrial construction.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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How Tide evo Works Tide evo was clearly developed with simplicity top of mind.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Feb. 2026
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Blending simplicity and durability, additional elements include cobranded details and dual‑lace options, allowing for personalization.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Chinese member Jingxiang Ma describes himself as hardworking and passionate, while the youngest member, 17-year-old Kyungbae Seo, brings a mix of raw talent and sincerity that resonated with viewers.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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But Nick has this absolute sincerity.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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