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
While acknowledging the dismissal motion is unrelated to Adams’ innocence or guilt, Bove has not, until now, been asked to address the case’s merits.
—
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
But there are also cases to mete out, defendants' innocence to establish, and, since this is L.A., celebrities to name drop.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 23 Feb. 2025
Along with the buckets of gore and blood, the sequel is also an emotionally deep chiller, exploring the very real effects of childhood trauma and innocence lost.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
There were many, many hostage posters on buildings and poles around the world, but the children, the embodiment of innocence, stood out.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
But there are also cases to mete out, defendants' innocence to establish, and, since this is L.A., celebrities to name drop.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 23 Feb. 2025
Along with the buckets of gore and blood, the sequel is also an emotionally deep chiller, exploring the very real effects of childhood trauma and innocence lost.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
There were many, many hostage posters on buildings and poles around the world, but the children, the embodiment of innocence, stood out.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
-
This executive order is politically motivated, cruel and based on ignorance, not on facts.—
Amy-lynn Fischer,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
-
This condition is what philosopher Charles Mills, speaking of the American context, labeled epistemological ignorance—a deliberate unknowing, an insistence on the myth of white superiority, of white exceptionalism.—
Christine Winter,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This level of enrichment is just a technical step away from reaching the 90% purity required for nuclear weapons.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Bars and coins are often purchased for their purity and weight, while jewelry combines investment with aesthetics.—
Gabriel O Rodríguez,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
System Analysis and Optimization There seems to be a trend toward simplicity in some Mac antivirus utilities.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The sandals also earn high marks for their simplicity and versatility.—
BestReviews,
The Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Dozens of people shared the post, and most of the public shares showed critical commentary that questioned Hill’s sincerity.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Based on Michael Bond’s books, the original movie and especially the sequel stand out for their appeal to all ages — from the children toward whom they’re geared to the abundance of adults who relish their sincerity, humanity and flair.—
Natalia Winkelman,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share