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
Bonilla maintains his innocence, saying the situations were misrepresented.
—
Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Messi maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Grossberg, who represents House District 30, has consistently maintained his innocence and did not leave office despite multiple calls for his resignation, including from Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025
Now that Francis is dead, the case may be less politically delicate, even as the priest’s supporters maintain his innocence.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Messi maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Grossberg, who represents House District 30, has consistently maintained his innocence and did not leave office despite multiple calls for his resignation, including from Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025
Now that Francis is dead, the case may be less politically delicate, even as the priest’s supporters maintain his innocence.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for innocence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innocence
Noun
-
Those who get their disinformation from Fox, One America News Network and Newsmax will remain clueless and continue to suffer the consequences of their ignorance.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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As Zora, Johansson is at least high-energy, yet her spirited line deliveries don’t make up for her character’s almost distressing ignorance of the dangers around her.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
4 July 2025
Noun
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His timbre, almost unearthly in its purity, could carry over the orchestra and through Jarvis Hall on luster alone.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
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Domaine Roy & Fils produces organic Pinot Noir, emphasizing the purity of fruit and terroir.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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To stand and hold a place in simplicity is one of the most difficult things for any performer to do.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2025
-
The Wicked star loves the sonic drama of the track, in spite of its lyrical simplicity.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Experts point out that if Iran shows sincerity in negotiations and is willing to reach a substantive agreement to limit its nuclear program in the future, the situation in the Middle East may ease.—
,
CNBC,
25 June 2025
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Listening with sincerity is one of the most important skills in philanthropy work.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innocence. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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