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
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2
as in naturalness
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the innocence of the child's question touched everyone present
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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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
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But know this: the silence of those responsible in our industry is no longer ignorance.—
Lee Trink,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2025
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With the show telling a cautionary tale about the perils of ignorance in the face of fascism, Peck cannot help but draw a direct parallel to our current political situation.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Analysts suggest Moscow could potentially take custody of Iran’s uranium enriched to 60% purity — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%.—
Matthew Lee and Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
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Western powers say Iran is refining uranium to a high degree of fissile purity beyond what is justifiable for a civilian energy programme and close to the level suitable for an atomic bomb.—
Guy Faulconbridge and Parisa Hafezi,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The simplicity of his resting place follows the express request made by Francis in his will.—
Fatima Al-Kassab,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2025
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Asawa’s own words posted throughout the exhibit reflect the simplicity of her genius.—
Robert Taylor,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Leaders can use short, personal video messages for feedback, recognition and updates because video conveys something text never will: tone, sincerity and connection.—
Chris Savage,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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While some moments certainly sizzle more than others, there’s more than enough sincerity and goofy charisma on stage to keep the show powered.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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