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.
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Recent Examples of childlike
Epic Universe, for example, transports visitors into worlds of childlike wonder.
—
Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 19 Dec. 2025
There’s a kind of childlike playfulness to it.
—Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Her voice is a glowing, childlike meep, and her tingling synths massage the inside of the listener’s skull.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
Breathtaking experiences These childlike spaces will leave you awestruck.
—Malik Peay, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childlike
Adjective
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Russia is a tyranny, which makes some of us feel naive.—
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Some biologists believe that as much as 25 percent of the diet of some coyote packs in LA in the naive 1980s was human food.—
Adjective
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Nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but this year’s astrology asks us to stop romanticizing potential and start paying attention to what feels genuine, reciprocal and enduring.—
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The tears in Yang’s eyes appeared genuine.—
Adjective
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This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.—
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The simple addition of zipper detailing adds a preppy energy to the top.—
Adjective
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This is especially true for plants that are marginally hardy in your area, as well as common perennials like woodland phlox, lamb’s ear, and hardy geraniums.—
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Fellow true freshman Joshua Moore should be in line for a bigger role next season as well.—
Adjective
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The defense bent a lot and didn’t break often but didn’t have any real signature plays.—
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While some calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy.—
Adjective
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Hardwood cuttings are best propagated during mid-fall to late winter when rose plants are in a natural state of dormancy and not experiencing active growth.—
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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona One of the country's most iconic natural landmarks, Grand Canyon National Park is already a must-visit for its scenic trails and incredible vistas.—
Adjective
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Advocates and families of some deportees have said they were falsely accused based on little evidence, and law enforcement officials and documents suggest Tren de Aragua is a relatively small and unsophisticated organization.—
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Once thought of as unsophisticated and easily duped, a new breed of retail investor is giving the professionals who have long dismissed them a run for their money, according to investors and market data analysts interviewed by CNBC.—
Cite this Entry
“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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