1
as in innocency
the quality or state of being free from guilt or blame
the accused embezzler eventually proved her innocence and was released
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the innocence of the child's question touched everyone present
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ignorance
the state of being unaware or uninformed
in my innocence I just assumed that quoted rate was for a week's stay and not for a single night at the health spa
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in purity
the quality or state of being morally pure
in Melville's novel, the sailor Billy Budd serves as a symbol of absolute innocence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 innocence
Rutherford defends the innocence of children and holds a dual title as Mrs. World America and Mrs. World America Fitness.
—
Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Dillon was wrongly convicted in 1981 for murder, and neither of the titular figures in the song title were swayed by his claims of innocence.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
The tragedy of the story ― the death of an innocent young girl, the loss of the innocence of her killer, the guilt his parents will carry forever ― bleeds through every scene.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Bernadette Rianne off-the-shoulder taffeta gown $1,135 NET-A-PORTER This voluminous, off-the shoulder taffeta gown is out of a fairytale in the best way, the sweetness and innocence it exudes is most unique.
—Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Dillon was wrongly convicted in 1981 for murder, and neither of the titular figures in the song title were swayed by his claims of innocence.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
The tragedy of the story ― the death of an innocent young girl, the loss of the innocence of her killer, the guilt his parents will carry forever ― bleeds through every scene.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Bernadette Rianne off-the-shoulder taffeta gown $1,135 NET-A-PORTER This voluminous, off-the shoulder taffeta gown is out of a fairytale in the best way, the sweetness and innocence it exudes is most unique.
—Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
-
But the presumption of regularity is not an imperative of ignorance or a rule mandating that judges be ostriches.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This was the result of human ignorance, faulty assumptions, and limited evidence, much of it anecdotal.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This level of enrichment is just a technical step away from reaching the 90% purity required for nuclear weapons.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Finally, a set proportion of these materials that are of the right quality and purity will be used to make batteries that will go in new electric Porsches.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Resembling in color a smooth pebble after heavy rains, the calfskin leather holder has but one compartment and one back pocket — taking it back to the basics and accentuating simplicity.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Shifting ground Economic and supply chain experts note that the sincerity of Trump's tariff rates remains uncertain, with many expecting them to be lowered based on negotiations between the Trump administration and individual countries.—
Dylan Butts,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
-
While men and women exhibit similar frequencies in over-apologizing, the habit can undermine professional authority and dilute the sincerity of genuine apologies.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share