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
Relevance
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
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
Noun
-
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
-
That ease and naturalness are paramount to Copeland.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Light and Breezy One of the many virtues of the ’60s shift is its simplicity.—
Olivia Allen,
Vogue,
24 June 2026
-
The collection expressed an idea of contemporary simplicity, built through precise proportions, evolved materials and a new visual lightness.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Noun
-
Through a statement released via a spokesperson, Carvalho maintained his innocence amid the federal investigation.—
NBC Los Angeles,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
-
After his release, Weger attempted to get a new trial for Oetting's murder, sticking to his claims of innocence.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Cape Fear strains credulity a little by making Natalie too easy a mark.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
-
Even if viewers didn’t know what direction Russia eventually took under Putin, however, the character’s powerful but coiled demeanor quickly makes apparent that such credulity has consequences.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
When an audience member posed a hypothetical choice between a flawed but distinctive film and a polished but unremarkable one, Leung said either would do, arguing that cinema’s goal was sincerity, in performance or in a director’s expression, rather than polish.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
20 June 2026
-
Just when there are emotional moments of sincerity about healthcare denials causing bankruptcy and even death, the tone shifts with a joke about fan girls sending Mangione their underwear.—
Lorena O’Neil,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
The simpleness of the look really allowed the Crocs to stand out and make an impression.—
Tara Larson,
Footwear News,
14 Nov. 2025
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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Naiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naiveness. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
