innocence
noun
in·no·cence
ˈi-nə-sən(t)s 
1
a
: freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense
b
: freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : blamelessness
c
: lack of knowledge : ignorance
… written in entire innocence of the Italian language.—
E. R. Bentley
E. R. Bentley
d(1)
: freedom from guile or cunning : simplicity
(2)
: lack of worldly experience or sophistication
e
: chastity
2
: one that is innocent
3
: bluet
Examples of innocence in a Sentence
He vows that he will prove his innocence in court.
the trusting innocence of childhood
The age of innocence was over.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Tates have promised to fight the charges in Britain and Romania, publicly declaring their intent to prove their innocence in both jurisdictions.
—Willem Marx, NPR, 28 May 2025
The couple has maintained their innocence and filed appeals seeking a new trial.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 27 May 2025
Smith always maintained his innocence, but police detectives and prosecutors said the evidence against him was overwhelming, including a long history of violence and threats against Robirds and his two stepsons.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
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Willem Marx, NPR, 28 May 2025
The couple has maintained their innocence and filed appeals seeking a new trial.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 27 May 2025
Smith always maintained his innocence, but police detectives and prosecutors said the evidence against him was overwhelming, including a long history of violence and threats against Robirds and his two stepsons.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innocence. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
innocence
noun
in·no·cence
ˈin-ə-sən(t)s
: the quality or state of being innocent
Legal Definition
innocence
noun
in·no·cence
ˈi-nə-səns
: freedom from fault or guilt under the law: as
a
: the state of not being guilty of a particular crime or offense compare guilt
b
: the state of not being guilty of an act that constitutes a ground for divorce
c
: ignorance on the part of a party to a transaction of facts that would lead a person of ordinary prudence to make inquiries
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