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, Fortune, 25 Mar. 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 When the frame shifts up and over the reservoir’s edge, Copco 1 appears as a concrete colossus, standing sentry over the river naively burbling below. Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025 But owner Danny Meyer wants to remind you about its days as a scrappy ingénue, naïvely determined to show this gritty city a thing or two about democratic dining. Christine Muhlke, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025 Mills’ team works from what’s known about the physical Earth over deep time, and then lets the model naïvely produce the temperature estimates on its own. Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naively
Adverb
  • But it’s played sincerely, so the visual contrast just makes the connection feel clumsy, if not outright absurd.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026
  • But the few times they’re forced to play their hurt feelings sincerely are as forced as the moment when Grace zips her gory wedding gown back on before it’s even been washed.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Cain seems genuinely shocked by this.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, is genuinely gripping for older kids.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Harvey spoke openly about the toll a career in public service can take.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • People were talking about pregaming alliances very openly this season.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Naively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naively. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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