naiveness

noun

Definition of naivenessnext
1
as in naïveté
readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence I can't believe the naiveness of people who don't realize there's always some catch to so-called free offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere the innate naiveness of young children is one of their most endearing qualities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for naiveness
  1. gullibility
  2. naturalness
  3. simplicity
  4. innocence
  5. credulity
  6. sincerity
  7. simpleness
  8. ingenuousness
Noun
  • With no way to secure this crucial boundary, Microsoft and its peers are left to erect complicated and ad hoc guardrails designed to rein in the consequences of this incurable gullibility.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 June 2026
  • Their bond — both are outsiders who suffered abuse as children — is one of the few emotional soft spots in the otherwise fast-moving series about America’s rotten power structure, manipulative media and the gullibility of the public.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Definition of gullibility
Noun
  • By the middle of the nineteenth century, the seriousness and stability of their suits suggested a new naturalness for their authority that came to seem both right and inevitable.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.
    — Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Definition of naturalness
Noun
  • Apple’s entire business is predicated on the consumer desire for simplicity.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
  • But beyond speed and simplicity, the Breakaway/Build model also requires trust.
    — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Glazer reminded him of the presumption of innocence and told him not to discuss what happened during his arrest, only to speak privately with his attorney.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of innocence
Noun
  • Because these stories have to dramatize a search for normalcy, its leads tend to be awkward in ways that strain credulity.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • Cape Fear strains credulity a little by making Natalie too easy a mark.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Definition of credulity
Noun
  • Even people who agree with many of Patriot Front’s views are skeptical of its sincerity.
    — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • The film’s sincerity — the quality critics praised most — was met with a sneer rather than a response.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Definition of sincerity
Noun
  • The simpleness of the look really allowed the Crocs to stand out and make an impression.
    — Tara Larson, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
Definition of simpleness
Noun
  • What was once a poignant effort to extend a state of ingenuousness is now tainted from the start.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of ingenuousness
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.

Browse Nearby Words

naively
naiveness
naïveté
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Cite this Entry

“Naiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naiveness. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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