variants or naïve
1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word naive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of naive are artless, ingenuous, natural, and unsophisticated. While all these words mean "free from pretension or calculation," naive suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence.

politically naive

When can artless be used instead of naive?

The meanings of artless and naive largely overlap; however, artless suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others.

artless charm

When is it sensible to use ingenuous instead of naive?

Although the words ingenuous and naive have much in common, ingenuous implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions.

the ingenuous enthusiasm of children

When would natural be a good substitute for naive?

The synonyms natural and naive are sometimes interchangeable, but natural implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world.

her unaffected, natural manner

In what contexts can unsophisticated take the place of naive?

While in some cases nearly identical to naive, unsophisticated implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness.

unsophisticated adolescents

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 Abby is portrayed as a naive and innocent receptionist, but is edgy. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025 The clash of pristine tailoring with naïve florals, seed beading and distressed leather. Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 By enjoying the exciting spectacle, their fans have willingly become mindless followers—idol worshippers who are too misguided, and naive, to see they’re being led toward their own destruction. Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 Speaking of burnout, that was the ultimate destination for the generation that came before, singed by their naive belief that adopting a neo-Stakhanovite approach to work and careers would pay off. Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naive
Adjective
  • As with all investigations leading to arrest, the subjects of the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The new dating term 'Shrekking' sounds innocent.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These best-selling shoes are constructed with 100 percent genuine suede and feature a cork footbed, deep heel cup, and a plush inner lining that feels snug and soft on your feet.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The head coach wants genuine competition, plus options and an ability to change approach depending on the opposition and what is required.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Setup is as easy as plugging in the HDMI cable into your TV and the sound bar, thanks to HDMI ARC, and the slim profile allows this device to be wall-mounted or propped up on your TV stand.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • McConkey is an even easier case to make, now doing well himself in the NFL, and responsible for 119 catches, 1,687 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns over those three years.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • By the way, Valera wasn’t the only inexperienced Guardian to make a pivotal play.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Fleck said that type of at-the-line adjustment is atypical for such an inexperienced player; Lindsey was making only his fourth collegiate start.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Anonymity also allows the scouts to be completely honest, without fear of reprisals.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, the Times responded by affirming a commitment to honest dialogue and mutual respect among colleagues.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Icardi describes her former boss as kind, professional and trusting.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Cats are far less trusting than dogs and rarely fall for the pill-in-the-treat ploy.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Watching my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt serve as loyal members of this sorority shaped my understanding of what true sisterhood and service look like.
    Essence, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With markets looking unperturbed, that might turn out true sooner if nothing serious comes in the way of the bulls.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Naive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on naive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!