naively

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.

In Brontë’s book, Isabella marries Heathcliff naively believing he might shape up into a gentleman and flees with their son when she realizes that is out of the question.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

That means that even if the Fed delivers multiple rate cuts this year, the labor market may not benefit as much as some might be naively counting on.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

Their boutique launch caps a whirlwind year that started with both Gaston and Cooney planning—perhaps naively, they said—to continue working at the Justice Department during the second Trump presidency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

“Things are not as they used to be,” Charles naively says.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025

He said naively, “I’ll ask our father where it is so we can take flowers.”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck