as in naive
resembling or suggesting a child; like that of a child
a childlike honesty He had a childlike innocence that others found endearing.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 childlike
Marc Jacobs has been exploring themes of childlike wonder in his last few shows.
—
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Feb. 2025
My brother navigated the single-lane, snaking roads with a mischievous, childlike grin.
—Sara Lieberman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025
My generation is holding on to our sense of childlike imagination.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childlike
India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Feb. 2025
My brother navigated the single-lane, snaking roads with a mischievous, childlike grin.
—Sara Lieberman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025
My generation is holding on to our sense of childlike imagination.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childlike
Adjective
-
The credulous faith that these superpowers will voluntarily settle for some form of peaceful coexistence, if only they are sufficiently propitiated with concessions, is naive and dangerous.—
Michael Miklaucic,
Twin Cities,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Similarly naive are Trump’s and Biden’s attempts to regulate access to AI information — such as China’s AI restrictions.—
Lutz Finger,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This is a moment of genuine courage and growth, but it can be dismissed as snitching by viewers who can’t see past her overconfidence from several hours ago.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Between the lines: Paxton is a genuine Trump ally and is eager to hit Cornyn for being a Washington establishment figure rather than true MAGA.—
Stef W. Kight,
Axios,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Uncharacteristically for the times, a sincere and simple sentence in the active voice.—
David Bezmozgis,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.—
The Editors,
National Review,
28 Mar. 2025
-
When each channel is evaluated independently, the true value of awareness campaigns becomes invisible.—
Cody Greco,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Back here in the real world, other Under 30 honorees are harnessing AI to tackle important problems.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
That for real was like holding the mirror up to myself.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While poaching and a loss of natural prey also contribute to the snow leopard’s decline, communities are working to foster peaceful coexistence between herders and wildlife.—
Troy Aidan Sambajon,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The tool's natural heft guides you toward the right amount of massaging pressure, making for more effective acupressure every time.—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Each of those words is unsophisticated alone and devastating when strung together.—
Joel Stein,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Ertz and Gesicki are likely to want to play for contenders, while Conklin and Johnson will look to cash in on a fairly unsophisticated market.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share