naive 1 of 2

variants or naïve
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naiveness

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noun

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as in naiveté
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 naive
Adjective
Schull, 46, who played Jody Sawyer, the naive newcomer to the School of American Ballet in the film, took fans' questions following the special screening on Sunday, April 6, ahead of the film's 25th anniversary this May. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Ravi asks, an astoundingly naive question for a show like 9-1-1. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 In the February 1984 issue: Latin America: A media stereotype Over time, Vargas Llosa realized that this kind of reflexive leftism was naive. Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025 And he’s made a few superhuman friends who like him but think of him as naive. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naive
Adjective
  • Students are expected to clear the house – shoot the bad guys and spare the innocent.
    William La Jeunesse, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
  • Jannik Sinner is innocent, as the Italian prepares to return from a doping suspension.
    Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The pendant showcases a genuine Rose de France amethyst and sparkling diamonds.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • Ask for input or support in a way that invites genuine engagement, not generic encouragement.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The four categories are all color-coded to show their difficulty, with yellow being the easiest then green, blue and purple.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Although small businesses are the easiest to target, this issue also affects the marketing industry as a whole.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The families who manage this best are the ones who acknowledge it openly, and make space for honest conversations.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • But that was less Counsell putting Brown on notice about his spot in the rotation and more so just being honest.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Sara successfully rescues her son Josh after proving her innocence at the end of Exterritorial.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Despite serving only five days of a five-month sentence, Smollett has maintained his innocence.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Murder victim's family has been 'counting down the minutes' until South Carolina execution Texas pastor with simple dream killed in his own church.
    James Powel, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Even something as simple as hanging your own art on the walls or sharing a project online will work.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • These collaborations help establish trust and credibility while ensuring that the platform remains a true reflection of local perspectives.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The Edmonton Oilers entered the postseason with more roster questions than any true Stanley Cup contender this spring.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The results were hilarious, but Gould also won hearts as the affable (if a bit gullible) victim of the ruse.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Chamberlain was gullible and naïve, and Chamberlain’s appeasement to Hitler is considered one of the biggest betrayals in modern history.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Naive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naive. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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