naively

variants or naïvely

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 naively Unfortunately, one extra week of rest is not sufficient to rectify this problem (even assuming — naively — that NYRA kicks the Belmont back a week to accommodate our shift). Stephen J. K. Walters, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026 Her parents naively thought these nuns would look after their kid for a couple of weeks. Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 7 July 2026 When the United States invaded the Philippines during the Spanish-American War, Twain naively imagined that the country would be liberated and turned into a republic. Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Schmidt is hardly alone in naively extrapolating this trend out and concluding that, in the limit, AI will inevitably consume all the energy in the world. Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026 Readers might think that from the perspective of the dog my engagement with its gaze is naively anthropocentric. Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 Educators are no longer naively wondering if students will use generative AI to do their homework for them. Jocelyn Gecker, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Some part of me–naively–trusted that the shoe would be supportive and comfortable, even throughout a 12-hour marathon of dancing and walking around the festival. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026 Trump has seen previous presidents either kick the can down the road or naively believe that the current Iranian regime could be trusted. Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naively
Adverb
  • Jean is wonderful, a fiercely loyal and maternal figure who sincerely wants to help these women untangle their traumas and get back on their feet.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Colquitt sincerely believes that her work can restore the dignity too often denied people in their last days.
    John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Adverb
  • The service The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • CFMoto On paper, the Ibex 950 looks less like an attempt to build a cheap adventure bike and more like a direct bid to build a genuinely competitive one.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • But prosecutors say Davis’ decision to write his book and speak openly about his story in interviews effectively negated the deal, and the judge in his trial agreed to allow the recording to be played to the jury.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As public sentiment has begun to more openly embrace the idea of ketamine as a therapeutic aid, Watts has become a prominent advocate.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Naively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naively. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on naively

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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