naively

variants or naïvely
Definition of naivelynext

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 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 Educators are no longer naively wondering if students will use generative AI to do their homework for them. Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 Many Marylanders naively believed BGE was simply doing the community a favor. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 15 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 Putting this season aside, the job of coaching one of Scotland’s big two could be naively regarded as a cakewalk. The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 The barely disguised soullessness with which AI leaders operate, perhaps, has provided a window for entrepreneurs to peddle a more humane message, in good faith or not in good faith, naively or cynically. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026 To believe otherwise is to divert one’s gaze, naively, hoping others will manage the problem, keeping it from your doorstep — in defiance of the medicine and simple math. Eric Snoey, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naively
Adverb
  • But there are millions of people who sincerely think some or all of those things are true and do not take a cross-country train and try to kill the president and his Cabinet.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
  • At that time, the other co-founders were sincerely questioning both Musk and Altman’s motivations for wanting to become OpenAI’s CEO.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The cast around her is, by all evidence, genuinely close.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 12 May 2026
  • Both were genuinely unexpected.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 11 May 2026
Adverb
  • What is striking about this moment is that America is not merely acknowledging the Jewish roots of some of its values historically, but openly turning again to a distinctly Jewish practice as a possible source of wisdom for the present.
    Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • The controversy also took a turn after the discovery of a March 2026 interview with outlet El Nuevo Día in which Díaz openly discussed his family’s involvement in the underground circuit.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Naively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naively. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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