variants also naivete or naiveté
1
2
as in gullibility
readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence though he was streetwise, the investigative reporter regularly assumed an air of naïveté when he was interviewing confidence men, charlatans, counterfeiters, and other assorted swindlers of the general public

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 naïveté On the contrary, the narrative voice mixes naivete and disbelief. Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025 One character starts with hope and naivete, and the other with the wisdom that comes from tough, life-altering experiences. Nick Jonas, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 The fund’s appreciation of over 600% YTD raises concerns about flawed perceptions of SpaceX ownership and naivete regarding the premium to NAV. Joel Shulman, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024 In turn, the film presents the trio as the three versions of womanhood: Pinky’s youth and naivete, Millie’s seductive ambition, and Willie’s maternal homemaker warmth. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2025 There’s a lot of naivete, certainly, in certain forms of popular music. Katherine Turman, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025 Tascioni is an exuberant person by nature, which many antagonists mistake for naivete. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Biden’s naivete on the matter can perhaps be excused, but not Trump’s. John Tamny, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Perhaps the spectacle of naivete is all part of the Altman image. Allison Morrow, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naïveté
Noun
  • Bernadette Rianne off-the-shoulder taffeta gown $1,135 NET-A-PORTER This voluminous, off-the shoulder taffeta gown is out of a fairytale in the best way, the sweetness and innocence it exudes is most unique.
    Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
  • He was exonerated after the Missouri Supreme Court found clear and convincing evidence of his innocence.
    Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Resembling in color a smooth pebble after heavy rains, the calfskin leather holder has but one compartment and one back pocket — taking it back to the basics and accentuating simplicity.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Plus, working with a person who is trusted in their field can build a brand’s credibility and increase consumer trust.
    Jessica Wong, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • These include compelling foreign investors to swap their U.S. government bond holdings for zero interest hundred-year bonds, which would hurt the credibility of the United States as a borrower and, by extension, the dollar’s standing.
    Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After feigning ignorance and then glowering at Belinda from across the resort, Greg boldly invites her to his home and to speak privately about their previous acquaintance.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Elsewhere in the interview, Peck discussed the timely politics of Cabaret, noting that the show’s themes surrounding the rise of fascism amid societal ignorance ring eerily true today.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That the leader of a notoriously cruel occupying power would have shown such compassion for a militant rebel strains credulity and defies the historical record.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The only issue is that the entire theory strains credulity.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Danish government dismissed Trump’s idea and critics mocked his supposed naivety.
    Ryan P. Burke, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Cruelty and condescension also figure frequently in the director’s work, bringing an acrid aftertaste to this reflection on the insularity of wealth and class, and the naivety of showing disdain for privilege to well-heeled prospective in-laws.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • Chinese stocks declined after the Trump administration hiked tariffs on the country to well over 50% on Wednesday, but a glimmer of optimism was visible.
    Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The only spark of optimism is the possibility of winning the Europa League.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Naïveté.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/na%C3%AFvet%C3%A9. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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