Definition of simplenext
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as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily don't be so quick to characterize people who have trouble with computers as simple

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective simple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of simple are easy, effortless, facile, light, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

When could easy be used to replace simple?

The meanings of easy and simple largely overlap; however, easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

In what contexts can effortless take the place of simple?

While the synonyms effortless and simple are close in meaning, effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

How are the words facile and easy related as synonyms of simple?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When is light a more appropriate choice than simple?

Although the words light and simple have much in common, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

When is it sensible to use smooth instead of simple?

The synonyms smooth and simple are sometimes interchangeable, but smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of simple Rivers of Babylon, written in 1991 by the Slovak author Peter Pišťanek, tells the story of a young, simple-minded, and broad-shouldered ex-soldier called Rácz who leaves his impoverished village in the Slovakian countryside to work as the stoker of a hotel in Bratislava. Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026 And, over the weekend, that community showed up in the simplest way possible — side by side in a gym, grinding through a workout, and remembering the ones who didn’t make it home. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 Enhance does a much simpler task. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 Standout Porch Designs Giving your porch a seasonal refresh is a simple way to boost curb appeal and set the tone for the summer. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
  • Revisiting maps mid-decade for political advantage runs directly against both the spirit and the plain language of those protections.
    Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But a glimpse at an earlier journalistic universe—newspapers in the era before social media—shows the dishonesty at the center of the project to treat the plain meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment as up for grabs.
    Lawrence Glickman, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Anthropic noted that all three issues were resolved as of April 20, with the API unaffected throughout.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • After some increasingly waspish bickering between Aleida and Irina, the group manages to agree once more on the importance of the Space Elevator and Titan mission succeeding unaffected by the ongoing protests.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond that, he’s motivated by pure self-interest.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Jets are in need of talent up and down the roster and getting possibly the best pure pass rusher in the class is a good place to start.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Opta’s power rankings would suggest Arsenal are the only team in the league with easier fixtures between now and the end.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Drastic measures become easier to justify, both legally and politically.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The series’ earnestly naïve sound design (horses neighing, cars revving) only enhanced my appreciation of Joudrey’s sophisticated storytelling.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But anyone who thinks that’s what CTU’s deal is about is hopelessly naive.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The popularity of e-bikes and e-motos has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving lawmakers and law enforcement scrambling to regulate the bikes that are often used by young riders ignorant or disdainful of the rules of the road.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Trump is either too ignorant or mentally challenged — and dangerous — to continue as president.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Part of me wants to blame the NFL for making the players walk four miles down that dumb tunnel after they're picked.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Asking dumb questions is always my thing.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Qualifying for the Champions League again via a top-five finish was regarded as the bare minimum.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • During a Southern summer, there’s nothing worse than burning your bare feet on a hot surface, so this outdoor rug is worth grabbing to keep your patio cool.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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