innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-sən(t)s How to pronounce innocence (audio)
Synonyms of innocence
1
a
: freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense
b
: freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : blamelessness
c
: lack of knowledge : ignorance
… written in entire innocence of the Italian language.—E. R. Bentley
d(1)
: freedom from guile or cunning : simplicity
(2)
: lack of worldly experience or sophistication
e
: chastity
2
: one that is innocent
3
: bluet

Synonyms of innocence

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Examples of innocence in a Sentence

He vows that he will prove his innocence in court. the trusting innocence of childhood The age of innocence was over.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Although Salguero-Olivares has maintained his innocence, Connie was relieved that there was an arrest in her daughter’s case. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 Earlier in the day, Miller’s attorney took blame for an unclothed photo of Miller and Emily Moreno’s daughter published in a trove of documents Miller made public Sunday to support his claims of innocence. — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 During a more than three-hour testimony, Stanko maintained his innocence. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 31 July 2026 The Fifth Amendment is critical in preserving that presumption of innocence. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for innocence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of innocence was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing innocence

Browse Nearby Words

innless
innocence
innocency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innocence. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence ˈin-ə-sən(t)s How to pronounce innocence (audio)
: the quality or state of being innocent

Legal Definition

innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-səns How to pronounce innocence (audio)
: freedom from fault or guilt under the law: as
a
: the state of not being guilty of a particular crime or offense compare guilt
b
: the state of not being guilty of an act that constitutes a ground for divorce
c
: ignorance on the part of a party to a transaction of facts that would lead a person of ordinary prudence to make inquiries

More from Merriam-Webster on innocence

Nglish: Translation of innocence for Spanish Speakers

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