naively

variants or naïvely
Definition of naivelynext

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 naively Educators are no longer naively wondering if students will use generative AI to do their homework for them. Jocelyn Gecker, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Educators are no longer naively wondering if students will use generative AI to do their homework for them. Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 Many Marylanders naively believed BGE was simply doing the community a favor. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026 Some part of me–naively–trusted that the shoe would be supportive and comfortable, even throughout a 12-hour marathon of dancing and walking around the festival. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026 Trump has seen previous presidents either kick the can down the road or naively believe that the current Iranian regime could be trusted. Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 Putting this season aside, the job of coaching one of Scotland’s big two could be naively regarded as a cakewalk. The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 The barely disguised soullessness with which AI leaders operate, perhaps, has provided a window for entrepreneurs to peddle a more humane message, in good faith or not in good faith, naively or cynically. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026 To believe otherwise is to divert one’s gaze, naively, hoping others will manage the problem, keeping it from your doorstep — in defiance of the medicine and simple math. Eric Snoey, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naively
Adverb
  • At that time, the other co-founders were sincerely questioning both Musk and Altman’s motivations for wanting to become OpenAI’s CEO.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Lebanese government sincerely wants to take control of the south and disarm and contain Hezbollah.
    Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The gains were driven by a healthier mix of genuinely new customers coming in and fewer existing ones walking out.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The combination of a well-mannered dog and a genuinely kind stranger created a feel-good moment that viewers kept sharing and commenting on.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The practice has surged in popularity as celebrities and pro athletes openly share their routines.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Even commentators who are openly critical have begun to borrow the same phrasing, the same rhythm, the same constant escalation.
    Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Naively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naively. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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