Antonyms for naïve


Grammar : Adj
Spell : nah-eev
Phonetic Transcription : nɑˈiv


Definition of naïve

Origin :
  • 1650s, "natural, simple, artless," from French naïve, fem. of naïf, from Old French naif "naive, natural, genuine; just born; foolish, innocent; unspoiled, unworked" (13c.), from Latin nativus "not artificial," also "native, rustic," literally "born, innate, natural" (see native (adj.)). Related: Naively.
  • As in girlish : adj juvenile
  • As in uninitiated : adj uninformed
  • As in born yesterday : adj new
Example sentences :
  • She raised her blue eyes toward the ceiling in a naive rapture.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • A fellow of some innocence in his naive duplicity, but none the less dangerous.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • At this naive statement, the sheepman could not restrain a smile.
  • Extract from : « Hidden Water » by Dane Coolidge
  • Not that I should advise you to imitate this naive way out of a difficulty.
  • Extract from : « Wood-Carving » by George Jack
  • Some of the forms it assumes are simple and naive, like feudal rights.
  • Extract from : « Sophisms of the Protectionists » by Frederic Bastiat
  • This wonderful gift was presented in the most naive way imaginable.
  • Extract from : « Lucretia Borgia » by Ferdinand Gregorovius
  • "And what a good idea," was Paganel's naive rejoinder to her exclamation.
  • Extract from : « In Search of the Castaways » by Jules Verne
  • She looked about her with the naive curiosity I remembered so well.
  • Extract from : « My Antonia » by Willa Cather
  • It was the exact tone of a young baby, a naive and innocent cry.
  • Extract from : « Little Brothers of the Air » by Olive Thorne Miller
  • Yet he was not quite prepared for the naive change in his companion's face.
  • Extract from : « Sally Dows and Other Stories » by Bret Harte

Synonyms for naïve

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019