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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Related Words

See childish.

Other Word Forms

• childlikeness noun
• unchildlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of childlike

First recorded in 1580–90; child + -like

Example Sentences

Though Flea exudes a childlike excitement in pretty much everything he does, with “Honora,” there’s also a reflective maturity that’s relatable, especially for longtime fans who’ve grown up with him and his music.

From Los Angeles Times

Though only about seven minutes, each core “Bluey” episode unfolds patiently, often centered on make-believe, wonder and childlike ingenuity.

From Los Angeles Times

And the cartoonish portrayal of combat using childlike blocky figures helps to sanitize gritty images of war, helping it to get past social media filters—and pushing it far beyond Iran’s borders.

From The Wall Street Journal

In recent months, this idea has taken visual form across fashion runways, with brands from Chanel to Acne Studios showcasing childlike sketches, often referred to as ‘naive design’.

From Los Angeles Times

“Snoop has a joy about him, a childlike curiosity, and he’s also a people person,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of programming for NBC’s Olympics coverage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• childish
• guileless