childlike

adjective

Definition of childlikenext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of childlike This is a story devoid of childlike wonder, just the horrific evil men are capable of and the small acts of grace found in unspeakable circumstances. — Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026 From dopamine-spiking decor to more childlike, bright clothes, adults are romanticizing the smallest aspects of their lives and fully running with a lighthearted outlook. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 17 June 2026 Kone, who has no shortage of positive childlike qualities himself, grew super inquisitive. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026 The android has a sunny outlook and a childlike wonder about the humans around her, with Ortega describing her as being on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Wednesday Addams. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for childlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childlike
  1. naive
  2. genuine
  3. simple
  4. true
  5. real
  6. natural
  7. unsophisticated
Adjective
  • The cyclical reality awaiting ‘naive capital’ Allianz is far from the only insurer to have prospered through recent upheavals.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
  • But performing fealty to that naïve and impoverished picture of judging had become nearly de rigueur for both liberals and conservatives.
    — Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley There may still be questions about whether the romance between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley was genuine, and their secret, quick-turn overseas wedding didn't help matters.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This is a film with genuine heart and authenticity that reflects modern Britain while speaking to audiences far beyond its borders.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
    — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
    — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • But the real irony is that the British have teamed up with the Indigenous Seneca population, who loathe the French.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • All her friends and family have tried to convince her this is not a real situation and she is being scammed.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • This multitasking hair care product is known for reducing frizz, boosting shine, and hydrating split ends, and some natural oils even help with hair growth.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
Definition of natural
Adjective
  • Sophisticated scams The days of thinking of scammers as unsophisticated, disjointed actors are over in 2026, according to Yoon.
    — Ella Moore July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Phishing remains one of the most effective means of gaining access to accounts, despite the relatively unsophisticated technical prowess required.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Definition of unsophisticated

Browse Nearby Words

childishness
childlike
children
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Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childlike. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of childlike for Spanish Speakers

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