as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the small-town boy's guilelessness is endearing, but it may not serve him well in the ruthless big city
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Recent Examples of guilelessness
Still, Dunk believes in himself, like any good hero, and people are drawn to his guilelessness.
—
Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
But there’s a guilelessness to everything Bella does, a trust in the universe and an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
But there’s a guilelessness to everything Bella does, a trust in the universe and an insatiable curiosity about humanity.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guilelessness
Noun
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The slightly distressed finish of brown sneakers adds naturalness and ease that pairs harmoniously with the low profile of baggy jeans.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2026
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In 1995, Taschen published his first book, which made a stir with portraits of soft, indirect illumination, emphasizing naturalness.—
Steve Appleford,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Here is your certificate of innocence’?—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Under California law, prisoners seeking parole may not be penalized for failing to admit wrongdoing, so Kovacich’s claim of innocence was not used against him, Tellman said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Japanese pickling methods, such as nukazuke (fermentation in rice bran), emphasized minimalism and balance, reflecting the cultural values of harmony and simplicity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
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The beauty of cafe curtains lies in their simplicity.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Good Friday is a day to recognize the brutality of the Roman practice of crucifying criminals and to reflect with sincerity on the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for the world.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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And Sonny’s sincerity is, in its way, the central engine of the action.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Gilbert’s colloquial style, once a source of great pleasure, has tipped into new territory—an ingenuousness that blends guru and disciple, mother and child.—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guilelessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guilelessness. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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