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
Bonilla maintains his innocence, saying the situations were misrepresented.
—
Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Messi maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Grossberg, who represents House District 30, has consistently maintained his innocence and did not leave office despite multiple calls for his resignation, including from Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025
Now that Francis is dead, the case may be less politically delicate, even as the priest’s supporters maintain his innocence.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Messi maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Grossberg, who represents House District 30, has consistently maintained his innocence and did not leave office despite multiple calls for his resignation, including from Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025
Now that Francis is dead, the case may be less politically delicate, even as the priest’s supporters maintain his innocence.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
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The medieval ideal suggests superstition, ignorance, vulgarity, restlessness, cruelty and religion—all of which fill my soul with horror and loathing.—
Henry Wiencek
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
-
As Bryan pointed out on the show, some of their ignorance came down to cultural differences.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
18 July 2025
Noun
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Officials say Iran must also address the status of over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, a level just below weapons-grade.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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The Jonas Brothers rose to fame as teenagers, and many people were fascinated with the band’s decision to wear purity rings.—
Katherine Schaffstall,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In uncertain markets, relevance, simplicity and clear value win.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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It’s based on the same system used in Chromebooks and focuses on speed, simplicity, and security.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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This turns out to be another name for Galactus, a surprisingly scary Marvel villain played with sinister sincerity by Ralph Ineson.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
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The host’s mix of candor, patriotism and sincerity, along with his ability to mine humor in current events, however, has been credited for fueling the show’s success.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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