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naïf 1 of 2

adjective

variants or naif
Definition of naïfnext
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment the senator, newly elected and still naïf, will learn soon enough how Washington really works

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

naïf

2 of 2

noun

variants or naif
as in virgin

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of naïf
Adjective
Colorful naif pictures by Katie Hickey and text arranged in substantial chunks make this perfect for browsing by young readers with an interest in engineering or architecture. — Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 12 Aug. 2022
Noun
In his directorial debut, Early, who also wrote the film, plays Maddie, a blonde naif who skyrockets to viral fame for recipes created in the test kitchen of GourMaybe, a fictional but winkingly all-too-familiar online content hub. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026 There is a risk of turning Artie into a naif, but in her careful, close observations, his depths become increasingly legible. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for naïf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naïf
  1. naive
  2. virgin
  3. green
  4. innocent
  5. inexperienced
  6. greenhorn
  7. fledgling
  8. ingenue
Adjective
  • Rounding out their trio is Hazel (Kennedi Reece), a sweet, naive young woman, completely sheltered by her conservative upbringing but determined to follow her Michelle Obama dreams.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Pure-hearted, brave, and a little naive, audiences can’t help but love him.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of naive
Noun
  • Bridget reads Lizzie the tale of Countess Elizabeth Báthory of Ecsed (also portrayed by Krieps), a 16th-century Hungarian noblewoman said to have bled beautiful virgins to bathe in their blood and preserve her beauty.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Next, take a lint-free cloth and rub a small amount of virgin, unrefined coconut oil into the wood in a swirling circular fashion.
    — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of virgin
Adjective
  • The landmark was illuminated in green, white and red to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day and honor the country’s culture, identity and traditions.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Counters and other surfaces include Lincoln marble from Colorado, with green and brown veining, along with brass and other natural materials.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of green
Noun
  • On that terrible day, millions of Americans witnessed airplanes flying into buildings, people jumping off skyscrapers, and the Twin Towers collapsing with thousands of innocents inside.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • With Delane back, the Chiefs shut down Achane as Mahomes and company roll against a young and inexperienced defense.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Miami Dolphins have activated the most experienced, and most inexperienced pass rushers on the roster to address the absence of Chop Robinson for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Noun
  • Flecks of mica and pyrite and who knows what, but only fools and greenhorns mistake it for gold.
    — John Archibald, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
  • The indestructible Gill, still strolling the fairways of the magazine, was more than welcoming to a greenhorn.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Definition of greenhorn
Noun
  • Prominent among the worry warts is King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who felt the issue was sufficiently urgent to summon senior leaders of the fledgling AI industry to a summit at a Scottish castle.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • What if all the pro runners laugh at me, a fledgling beginner?
    — Maryann Wright, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of fledgling
Noun
  • Johnson, who a near decade ago was a bubbly ingenue on the brink of superstardom, has since developed a reputation for a certain cool-girl deadpan opacity, a kind of mischievous remove during press appearances.
    — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
  • McInerny saw a character who deviated from the usual ingenue.
    — Carole Horst, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of ingenue

Browse Nearby Words

naiads
naïf
naïfs
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Cite this Entry

“Naïf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/na%C3%AFf. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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