naïf
noun
\
Definition of naïf
(Entry 1 of 2)
naïf
adjectiveDefinition of naïf (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for naïf
Synonyms: Adjective
aw-shucks, dewy, dewy-eyed, green, ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve), primitive, simple, simpleminded, uncritical, unknowing, unsophisticated, unsuspecting, unsuspicious, unwary, unworldly, wide-eyed
Antonyms: Adjective
cosmopolitan, experienced, knowing, sophisticated, worldly, worldly-wise
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of naïf in a Sentence
Adjective
the senator, newly elected and still naïf, will learn soon enough how Washington really worksRecent Examples on the Web: Noun
From reckless naif to cautious veteran of pain and regret, Becc traces a route familiar to many of us. — oregonlive.com, "5 novels to escape with this summer," 1 Aug. 2019 The show’s drama pivots upon the question of whether Mr. Pickles is a Mr. Rogers-style innocent, or a naif out of step with the modern world. — Akiva Gottlieb, latimes.com, "With 'Kidding,' Jim Carrey delves into the many facets of identity," 14 June 2019 Barclays was accused of defrauding those financial naifs at Citibank—even while Justice claimed that Citibank perpetrated the same scheme. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Trump’s Obama-Style Bank Heist," 18 Nov. 2018 In 2012, Popkin had learned about trees to cure this blindness in himself and went from a naif who could barely pick out an oak tree to an amateur arboriculturist who can distinguish hundreds of trees. — Susan Crawford, WIRED, "What Are Screens Doing to Our Eyes—And Our Ability to See?," 27 Mar. 2018 Foreign policy veterans more accustomed to blasting Trump as a naif and a nationalist who has eroded U.S. leadership in the international institutions built since World War II found themselves praising him, albeit often with caveats. — Susan Page, USA TODAY, "Analysis: With historic North Korea talks, both Trump and Kim get something they crave," 9 Mar. 2018 Photos of them ping around the web like a House of Hoops highlight reel, as fans and basketball-naifs alike scrutinize the fashion choices of their favorite players. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, "Is the NFL Becoming the National Fashion League?," 24 Oct. 2017 The C.I.A. segments put focus on an agent named Teddy McDonald, a wiry and bearded young guy who at first seems like a twitchy naif, but swiftly reveals himself to be a shrewd, if offbeat, pro. — Richard Lawson, HWD, "Snowfall Provides Only Fleeting, Forgettable Highs," 5 July 2017 The C.I.A. segments put focus on an agent named Teddy McDonald, a wiry and bearded young guy who at first seems like a twitchy naif, but swiftly reveals himself to be a shrewd, if offbeat, pro. — vanityfair.com, "Snowfall Provides Only Fleeting, Forgettable Highs," 5 July 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'naïf.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more