childlike

American  

[chahyld-lahyk] / ˈtʃaɪldˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. like a child, as in innocence, frankness, etc.; befitting a child.

   childlike trust.

   Synonyms:

   innocent, trusting, guileless, simple, ingenuous, young

   Antonyms:

   adult, sophisticated

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childlike British  

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. like or befitting a child, as in being innocent, trustful, etc Compare childish

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Synonym Usage

See childish.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unchildlike
  adjective
• childlikeness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of childlike

First recorded in 1580–90; child + -like

Example Sentences

The palace added: "With her childlike perspective, her irony, her tenderness, and her inner demons, the author created a deeply moving world with which readers identified."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

And as for the showstopping pelican, the frog erupts out of its beak right on cue, a moment that indeed inspires a round of laughter and childlike awe.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Showing Attenborough's cross-generational appeal, US singer-songwriter Billie Eilish has praised his "deep love and knowledge of our planet", adding: "The animal kingdom brings out the childlike curiosity within us all."

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Their excitement was almost childlike, and I mean that in the best possible way.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

But Matthew’s expression seems eager, almost childlike, and I understand curiosity.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• childish
• guileless