innocence

noun

ˈi-nə-sən(t)s How to pronounce innocence (audio)
Definition of innocencenext
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

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 innocence Unlike appeals, clemency does not revisit guilt or innocence. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Although groups protested the use of the youth, Madonna later described the music video as a statement about innocence. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 Glazer reminded him of the presumption of innocence and told him not to discuss what happened during his arrest, only to speak privately with his attorney. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 July 2026 Commissioners wanted an admission of guilt, not claims of innocence, and Broadwater wouldn’t apologize. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
  1. purity
  2. naturalness
  3. ignorance
  4. simplicity
  5. sincerity
Noun
  • Law enforcement later searched two locations in connection with the investigation into Hidrogo including a storage facility in Fort Worth where officers found 244 kilograms of meth with a purity level of 100 percent and more firearms.
    — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
  • In Christianity, doves are associated with the Holy Spirit and symbolize purity and faith.
    — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of purity
Noun
  • By the middle of the nineteenth century, the seriousness and stability of their suits suggested a new naturalness for their authority that came to seem both right and inevitable.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of naturalness
Noun
  • The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • Not the innocence of ignorance.
    — Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Definition of ignorance
Noun
  • Mixing knits with leather creates texture and contrast in the outfit, while the height and simplicity of these solid-color boots helps ground the overall look.
    — Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 6 July 2026
  • Professionals must actively map where their risk truly lies, assessing counterparty exposure, income correlation, and cost repricing, rather than mistaking simplicity for safety.
    — Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • But in her concentration, Porsha fumbled her words, which made the Faithfuls, who were desperate for a crumb of evidence so early in the game, suspicious of her sincerity.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • Several participants told The Washington Post that they were impressed with the sincerity and humility of the AI firm’s staff in discussing both ethical and spiritual implications.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2026
Definition of sincerity

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innocence
innocency
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on innocence

Nglish: Translation of innocence for Spanish Speakers

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