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naive

/naɪˈiːv/adjective

Too trusting and inexperienced, with little understanding of how the world really works.

Example sentences

  • “She was naive to believe the salesman's promises without checking anything.”
  • “It was naive of me to think the landlord would fix the heating quickly.”

Mildly insulting when aimed at adults. Borrowed from French; the noun is 'naivety'.

Synonyms for naive

Antonyms

  • worldly
  • sophisticated
  • streetwise

Find it in: Words to describe a person.

Related words

astuteQuick to understand situations correctly and use them to advantage; shrewd.callowYoung and lacking experience, especially in a way that shows poor judgment.craftyClever at getting what you want, often by tricking people in a quiet, sly way.cunningClever at getting what you want, often by tricking people in a sneaky way.cynicalAssuming that people act only for their own benefit rather than from honest or kind motives.ingenuousInnocent and trusting; open and without cunning.