1
as in innocency
the quality or state of being free from guilt or blame
the accused embezzler eventually proved her innocence and was released
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the innocence of the child's question touched everyone present
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ignorance
the state of being unaware or uninformed
in my innocence I just assumed that quoted rate was for a week's stay and not for a single night at the health spa
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in purity
the quality or state of being morally pure
in Melville's novel, the sailor Billy Budd serves as a symbol of absolute innocence
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 innocence
Intrigue in Read's case has only grown since the mistrial, as she's continued to share her story and proclaim her innocence.
—
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
Grimm exonerated Grimm tried to prove his innocence over the course of his 44 years in prison and throughout his time on parole.
DNA testing in 2002, 2012 and 2013 excluded Grimm as the source of all DNA profiles, according to the bill.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
In November, Barrientos-Quintana — who always maintained his innocence and was never linked to the crime by any physical evidence — walked out of prison.
—Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 29 Mar. 2025
Littlejohn maintained his innocence, though, claiming that his co-conspirator Glenn Bethany pulled the trigger.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
Grimm exonerated Grimm tried to prove his innocence over the course of his 44 years in prison and throughout his time on parole.
DNA testing in 2002, 2012 and 2013 excluded Grimm as the source of all DNA profiles, according to the bill.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
In November, Barrientos-Quintana — who always maintained his innocence and was never linked to the crime by any physical evidence — walked out of prison.
—Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 29 Mar. 2025
Littlejohn maintained his innocence, though, claiming that his co-conspirator Glenn Bethany pulled the trigger.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
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
-
The dial center suggests the purity of mountain waters and shifts to an intense blue.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
The first is that it was named for the purity of its water.—
Tony Perrottet,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The ambiguity, the exaltation and sarcastic self-parody, the gloom alternating with a yearning for simplicity and even for redemption—all of that reflected the split consciousness of Jews who could never belong and turned revenge upon themselves.—
David Denby,
The Atlantic,
1 Apr. 2025
-
What the hummers will love about this one is all in its simplicity.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Shifting ground Economic and supply chain experts note that the sincerity of Trump's tariff rates remains uncertain, with many expecting them to be lowered based on negotiations between the Trump administration and individual countries.—
Dylan Butts,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
-
While men and women exhibit similar frequencies in over-apologizing, the habit can undermine professional authority and dilute the sincerity of genuine apologies.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share