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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of childlike
The Mario series was maturing alongside the greater video-game landscape, but its childlike essence remained—not through docile cuteness, but through a more grandiose fusion of wonder, whimsy, and wistfulness.
—
Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
For today’s decision-makers, emulating his lens—a rare blend of childlike wonder and clear-eyed realism—is essential to any progress.
—Prince Harry, Time, 7 May 2026
Vish approaches the boat and throws me a childlike smile of delight over his shoulder.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Burton still has some childlike ways.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childlike
Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
For today’s decision-makers, emulating his lens—a rare blend of childlike wonder and clear-eyed realism—is essential to any progress.
—Prince Harry, Time, 7 May 2026
Vish approaches the boat and throws me a childlike smile of delight over his shoulder.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Burton still has some childlike ways.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childlike
Adjective
-
Not because older Americans are more naive.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
-
When it was first released in December 1980, it was seen as too weird for kids and too naive for adults, but it has since been reconsidered as a unique snapshot of intersecting talents — a strange, wonderful, one-of-a-kind movie.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Where Soap was straightforwardly in the realm of sitcom—leaning toward broad humor, underlined stylistically by the presence of a laugh track—Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman knew just how to strike that sweet spot between screw-loose absurdity and genuine pathos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
The service Service is unfailingly warm, genuine, and solicitous—if occasionally slow.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
While the simple Deluxe Room is ideal for a quick overnight trip, guests looking for a longer stay should spread out in the Junior Suite with Living & Dining Area, which opens onto a semi-private stone patio with a bocce court and a firepit in the warmer months.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
-
Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rarely were there any true freaks, which was where their sideshow stood out.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Now, there’s a real mixture of guests hanging around the lobby and breakfast room.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
For audiences, fidelity is often the real sticking point.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Everybody was treating his performance as a natural thing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Lake Baikal, located in southeastern Siberia, is considered one of the world’s most extraordinary natural landmarks.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Still, the film has its rewards, mostly of the unsophisticated kind, since the fight sequences come fast and furious and the cheesy dialogue has enough groan-worthy one-liners to inspire a thousand drinking games.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
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Since then, officials have also warned that even unsophisticated drones can pose serious risks.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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