variants also naïvety
Definition of naivetynext
chiefly British

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 naivety However, Mats Alvesson and Katja Einola critique bright-side leadership in their 2019 Leadership Quarterly article, suggesting that bright-side leadership can drift into naivety or excessive positivity. Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 There's a naivety and sweetness to them that's ripped away in an instant when the two passionately make love in the barren house, the inciting incident for the demise of their relationship. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 But this removal from war’s true horrors brought a bit of naivety to the movement. JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025 There’s less of a child-like sense of innocence and naivety. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naivety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naivety
Noun
  • Here is your certificate of innocence’?
    Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Under California law, prisoners seeking parole may not be penalized for failing to admit wrongdoing, so Kovacich’s claim of innocence was not used against him, Tellman said.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The slightly distressed finish of brown sneakers adds naturalness and ease that pairs harmoniously with the low profile of baggy jeans.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In 1995, Taschen published his first book, which made a stir with portraits of soft, indirect illumination, emphasizing naturalness.
    Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Japanese pickling methods, such as nukazuke (fermentation in rice bran), emphasized minimalism and balance, reflecting the cultural values of harmony and simplicity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The beauty of cafe curtains lies in their simplicity.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.
    Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The sincerity of this aim can sometimes run counter to the sharp, excruciatingly realistic satire that’s previously been the show’s bailiwick, and sometimes still is.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Disagreeing with presidential actions is one thing, but opining on the psychology behind his decisions shows ignorance.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Many fear losing their jobs, sometimes through ignorance rather than data.
    Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Naivety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naivety. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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