naiveness

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for naiveness
Noun
  • That ease and naturalness are paramount to Copeland.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The slightly distressed finish of brown sneakers adds naturalness and ease that pairs harmoniously with the low profile of baggy jeans.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These forces—economic uncertainty, political division, and toxic algorithms—work in a vicious cycle to try and tell us that empathy is weakness… that kindness is gullibility… that sincerity is for suckers.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The Enlightenment faith in reason, science, and free speech, already weakened by the First World War, had been devastated by an unprecedented bureaucracy of mass death, sustained by technology, systematic deceit, widespread gullibility, and eager acquiescence.
    Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, entered the pleas on the singer’s behalf and reiterated his claim of innocence.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Lanez maintained his innocence.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bieber hit the hard reset on Coachella maximalism The entire performance dealt in assured simplicity from the 32-year-old.
    Reanna Cruz, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
  • In reimagining the 1950s-style entry, Misso opted for simplicity, ditching traditional trim around the white oak door in favor of a brick surround painted Benjamin Moore’s White Dove.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Each year brings a new theme, embraced with staggering sincerity—and just a hint of competition.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
  • People have a sense that there is a sincerity and authenticity and genuine concern for the environment that isn't just a marketing gimmick or a brand.
    Tony Biasotti, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The hope of one day inheriting Cal’s construction empire was part of what motivated Nate to act so … violently in high school, but without the context of how that takeover happened, his success strains credulity.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
  • But the idea that athletic departments and their associated fundraising arms should be classified as tax-exempt nonprofits promoting education and amateur sports strains credulity.
    Andrew Urbaczewski, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 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
  • Gilbert’s colloquial style, once a source of great pleasure, has tipped into new territory—an ingenuousness that blends guru and disciple, mother and child.
    Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Naiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naiveness. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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