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
Sneed’s testimony became the foundation of the prosecution’s case, and has, over the decades, spurred doubts about his conviction – Glossip has never wavered in maintaining his innocence.
—
Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Always insisting on his innocence on the Mann accusations and every other one, Weinstein was found guilty in 2020 of raping the actress, but that conviction was overturned by a higher court in 2024.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Becerra maintained his innocence.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
In defense, the Shirilla family’s lawyer opted for a bench trial instead of a jury trial, and prevented Mackenzie from taking the stand, hoping her blackout condition—and the sheer fact of unknowability in the final moments—would be enough to prove her innocence.
—Jake King-Schreifels, Time, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Always insisting on his innocence on the Mann accusations and every other one, Weinstein was found guilty in 2020 of raping the actress, but that conviction was overturned by a higher court in 2024.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Becerra maintained his innocence.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
In defense, the Shirilla family’s lawyer opted for a bench trial instead of a jury trial, and prevented Mackenzie from taking the stand, hoping her blackout condition—and the sheer fact of unknowability in the final moments—would be enough to prove her innocence.
—Jake King-Schreifels, Time, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
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As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
That ease and naturalness are paramount to Copeland.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Even Republicans, who usually feigned ignorance about the President’s social-media outbursts, were weighing in.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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Chinese officials were unsure what to make of Pete Hegseth’s presence — whether it was meant to convey a softer stance, a hardening one, or simply an ignorance of basic diplomatic protocol.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Both humble and charming, the daisy represents youth and purity.—
Jenny Krane,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
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The United Nations nuclear agency says Iran has more than 970 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The challenge is staying true to its simplicity while expanding.—
Ellen Sheng,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
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His advice for men starting from scratch is a model of French simplicity.—
Pooja Mistry,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
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His sincerity is real, his appreciation – for his fans, his band, his crew – is frequently spoken and his music is a continuous Choose Your Own Adventure game.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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In an age of global political unrest, a news cycle saturated with mass shootings and gun violence on the streets of America, sincerity feels like a relief.—
Sarah Wang,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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