childlike

[chahyld-lahyk]

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

childlike

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌlaɪk /

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• childlikeness noun
• unchildlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of childlike¹

First recorded in 1580–90; child + -like

Synonym Study

See childish.

Example Sentences

The Singapore-based retailer also said that it would permanently block all seller accounts related to the illegal sale of the childlike dolls and set stricter controls on its platform.

Read more on BBC

As participants moved their heads, the on-screen image mirrored their movements, creating the sensation that the childlike face was truly theirs.

Read more on Science Daily

Even her purported ambition — to have a swimming trophy — can be seen as childlike, especially as she never pursued a post-collegiate career as a professional swimmer.

Read more on Salon

The girls were required to look "childlike", Ms Giuffre says, and her childhood eating disorder was "only encouraged" under Epstein's roof.

Read more on BBC

He also brings his quirkiness to more serious roles, including a childlike loner in a bunker society in the dystopian “Silo.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• childish 
• guileless