Search Dictionary
Definition of childlike

childlike

/ˈtʃaɪld.laɪk/
child · like
JUMP TO:

childlike Lexical Profile

childlike Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having the positive qualities associated with a child, such as innocence, trust, wonder, and candor.

Example

"Despite his advanced age, the painter retained a childlike curiosity about the natural world."

2

Resembling or characteristic of a child in physical appearance, voice, or manner.

Example

"She spoke in a soft, childlike voice that made her sound much younger than she actually was."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for childlike
Antonyms
View all antonyms for childlike

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'childlike' with 'childish'. 'Childlike' has positive connotations of innocence, wonder, and trust, whereas 'childish' is derogatory and implies immaturity, pettiness, or foolishness in an adult.

• Rhymes for childlike

• Nearby Words

childishness
childless
childlessness
childlike
childmind
childminder
childminding

Word Origin & Etymology

Recorded in English since the late 16th century, formed from the Old English noun 'cild' (child) combined with the suffix '-like' (resembling).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Childlike. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/childlike
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.