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Definitions

naïve

[nah-eev] / nɑˈiv /
ADJECTIVE
naive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant innocent simple sincere unsophisticated wide-eyed
WEAK
aboveboard artless callow candid confiding countrified credulous forthright frank fresh green guileless gullible harmless impulsive ingenuous innocuous instinctive jejune lamb like a babe in the woods natural open original patsy plain simple-minded spontaneous square sucker unaffected unjaded unpretentious unschooled unsuspecting unsuspicious untaught unworldly virgin
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aware experienced intelligent knowledgeable sophisticated
WEAK
leery skeptical wise
naive
ADJECTIVE
childlike, trusting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant innocent simple sincere unsophisticated wide-eyed
WEAK
aboveboard artless callow candid confiding countrified credulous forthright frank fresh green guileless gullible harmless impulsive ingenuous innocuous instinctive jejune lamb like a babe in the woods natural open original patsy plain simple-minded spontaneous square sucker unaffected unjaded unpretentious unschooled unsuspecting unsuspicious untaught unworldly virgin
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aware experienced intelligent knowledgeable sophisticated
WEAK
leery skeptical wise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His sentiment was so naive it led Fox News’ Jesse Watters to remark, “I’m not sure you totally get what people feel about that.”

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

This is how naive I was: I thought, Wow, that’s great.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

A Labour MP who resigned as a Cabinet Office minister has said he was "naive" and "so sorry" in his first full interview since leaving his role.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

I mean, this could be naive, but I feel 100% safe that you are never going to replicate an evening of stand-up at a nigtclub like that.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“WL” was Farmer’s abbreviation for “white liberal,” a group that donated quite generously to Partners in Health but which he now seemed to be claiming was naive.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing naïve

"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 9

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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