wide-eyed

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈīd How to pronounce wide-eyed (audio)
Definition of wide-eyednext
1
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment a wide-eyed and trusting child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in susceptible
readily taken advantage of the sort of phony UFO "artifacts" that wide-eyed tourists fall for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wide-eyed Not my friends, who shook their heads at my schedule, wide-eyed and overwhelmed at the thought of doing it themselves. — Taylor Tomlinson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026 Indeed, Infiniti’s wide-eyed portrait of a prodigy is equal parts inspired and frustrating. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 That mix of wide-eyed naïveté and pragmatic nous does seem typically American. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 But mostly, Clancy has remained silent and wide-eyed, her gaze wandering around the courtroom as though searching for something. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide-eyed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wide-eyed
  1. naive
  2. susceptible
  3. innocent
  4. easy
  5. inexperienced
  6. simple
Adjective
  • Mischa Glooshkoff, aka Michael Graves, has light brown curls, a wicked grin, and a wiry frame—perfect casting for the grand boulevardier who would lead my naïve young father astray.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • And how naive of me to believe that language could transcend grief.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • Kirshner says most units aren’t susceptible and that the issues appear quickly on units with the defect.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Microwave weapons can address groups of small aircraft, interceptors can physically destroy individual threats, electronic warfare can disrupt susceptible communications, and lasers can interfere with optical sensors.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • The charges are allegations, and each person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Convince people that an innocent person represents an existential threat, furnish them with a frightening conspiracy theory about an immoral enemy, and some may become willing to kill.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • Rocket is also known for its quality customer service and easy-to-use website.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Insider tip Salt Ranch is about five miles from both Lower Broad and East Nashville’s Five Points, an easy Uber ride away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of easy
Adjective
  • Things won’t be at an elite level because this is still a young, inexperienced team.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Under Sorrells, attorneys representing the state often rely on equally inexperienced colleagues or, in some instances, opposing counsel, for training, sources said.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • According to Fulton County jail records, New has been arrested multiple times on suspicion of crimes including identity theft, insurance fraud, financial transaction card fraud, forgery and simple assault.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For this black jeans outfit idea, wear your go-to pair with a simple, breathable Oxford shirt that’s ideal for the office or dinner dates alike.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

wide-awake
wide-eyed
widely
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Cite this Entry

“Wide-eyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wide-eyed. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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