variants
or naïve
1
as in innocent
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
a first-time buyer who was so naive that he believed the salesman's spiel and paid good money for the rusty and broken-down car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
the young girl gave honest and naive answers to the social worker's probing questions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in easy
readily taken advantage of
we get piles of junk mail because you are naive enough to keep entering these dumb contests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 naive
How did an obscure, scientifically naive mining society discover the wheel, when highly advanced civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians, did not?
—
Kai James, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
Such hopes can seem strident or naive in the world where the majority of us live, but Laxe’s true achievement in this film is magicking a scenario where their realization isn’t just possible, but necessary.
—David Katz, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Even a naive analysis, one that buys into some very obvious Republican budget tricks, finds that this bill cuts taxes and raises spending by $4 trillion over 10 years — but only pays for about $1.7 trillion of that.
—Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
In the film's early scenes, Cruise displays a naive, unwavering patriotism that seamlessly meshed with the actor's military heroics in Top Gun three years earlier — which makes Kovic's stark transition to impassioned anti-war advocacy all the more surprising in the runtime's second half.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for naive
Kai James, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
Such hopes can seem strident or naive in the world where the majority of us live, but Laxe’s true achievement in this film is magicking a scenario where their realization isn’t just possible, but necessary.
—David Katz, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Even a naive analysis, one that buys into some very obvious Republican budget tricks, finds that this bill cuts taxes and raises spending by $4 trillion over 10 years — but only pays for about $1.7 trillion of that.
—Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
In the film's early scenes, Cruise displays a naive, unwavering patriotism that seamlessly meshed with the actor's military heroics in Top Gun three years earlier — which makes Kovic's stark transition to impassioned anti-war advocacy all the more surprising in the runtime's second half.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for naive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naive
Adjective
-
On July 8, U.S. soldiers escorting a train fired at crowds in Hammond, killing an innocent bystander.—
Robert Loerzel,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2025
-
However, Vance’s spokesperson said the mix-up was an innocent mistake.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
Coach Wall was a remarkable individual whose kindness and genuine spirit touched all who knew him.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2025
-
Today's audiences—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—are savvy, diverse, and crave genuine representation and storytelling.—
Isaac Mizrahi,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 made immigration into California and shipping produce out of the state much easier.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
-
One way to make cooking for others easier is to have go-to dishes — or entire menus.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
23 June 2025
-
My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.—
AJ Bubb,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
-
The director similarly molds F1 around his star’s more reluctant image: Pitt portrays a man of few words who seems nostalgic for simpler times in his industry.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
-
In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.—
Gina Montaner,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Like an ’80s televangelist, Lindell is a pro at exploiting religion to bilk the gullible.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
20 June 2025
-
Being personally very gullible and constantly putting myself in the place of the audience was the key for me in directing this series.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Thus even relatively unsophisticated cybercriminals can access the latest tools to commit their crimes.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
-
During arguments on Wednesday, Megan Savard — attorney for Carter Hart — said that Howden was an unsophisticated, inarticulate witness who didn’t even dress properly for court.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Naive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share