innocence
noun
in·no·cence
ˈi-nə-sən(t)s 
1
a
: freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense
b
: freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : blamelessness
c
: lack of knowledge : ignorance
… written in entire innocence of the Italian language.—
E. R. Bentley
E. R. Bentley
d(1)
: freedom from guile or cunning : simplicity
(2)
: lack of worldly experience or sophistication
e
: chastity
2
: one that is innocent
3
: bluet
Examples of innocence in a Sentence
He vows that he will prove his innocence in court.
the trusting innocence of childhood
The age of innocence was over.
Recent Examples on the Web
Blending animation with documentary-style narration, Najjar crafts a visually arresting and emotionally resonant exploration of violence, survival and lost innocence.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025
Watkins’ conviction was overturned in 2023, affirming his innocence after years of efforts by his family and the Georgia Innocence Project, according to the lawsuit.
—Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
The show explores how Nara’s personal life informs his work, and highlights his canny ability to blend childlike innocence with political rebellion.
—Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Rose admitted to gambling in 2004 after years of claiming his innocence.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
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Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025
Watkins’ conviction was overturned in 2023, affirming his innocence after years of efforts by his family and the Georgia Innocence Project, according to the lawsuit.
—Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
The show explores how Nara’s personal life informs his work, and highlights his canny ability to blend childlike innocence with political rebellion.
—Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Rose admitted to gambling in 2004 after years of claiming his innocence.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innocence. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
innocence
noun
in·no·cence
ˈin-ə-sən(t)s
: the quality or state of being innocent
Legal Definition
innocence
noun
in·no·cence
ˈi-nə-səns
: freedom from fault or guilt under the law: as
a
: the state of not being guilty of a particular crime or offense compare guilt
b
: the state of not being guilty of an act that constitutes a ground for divorce
c
: ignorance on the part of a party to a transaction of facts that would lead a person of ordinary prudence to make inquiries
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