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simple

adjective

ˈsim-pəl How to pronounce simple (audio)
Definition of simplenext
1
as in plain
free from all additions or embellishment a simple design, and one that never goes out of fashion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others growing up in simple innocence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pure
having no exceptions or restrictions that's the simple truth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in easy
involving minimal difficulty or effort I got all of the answers right because it was such a simple test

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment developers mistakenly thought that the local residents were simple people who would sell their land for practically nothing

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6
as in ignorant
lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books the fact that he didn't go to college doesn't mean he's simple

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
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

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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 Foods low in simple carbs and sugars can be eaten without causing a sharp increase in blood glucose. — Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2026 The good news is that there are other simple, safe ways to thaw meat fast without compromising its quality. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 Fedorov specifically wants humanoid robots capable of performing relatively simple tasks alongside other autonomous systems. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026 The debate over the safety of AI and whether and how it should be regulated is not a simple clash between two opposing sides. — Katie McQue, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
  1. plain
  2. unaffected
  3. pure
  4. easy
  5. naive
  6. ignorant
  7. dumb
  8. bare
Adjective
  • To best protect the environment and your plants, Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension, recommends using plain brown paper grocery bags as mulch.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Use cachepots to hide plain plant pots, protect surfaces from water damage, and elevate home decor without repotting.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of plain
Adjective
  • Yet with the relentless Ukrainian drone strikes – including the biggest wave ever launched against the Moscow region as voting took place this weekend – the Kremlin has been at pains to reassure Russians that life goes on largely unaffected.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Areas once largely unaffected are increasingly reporting infections, reflecting a gradual expansion of the virus across the country.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • The South Korean head of state concluded a successful official visit to Mexico this week with a stop that was pure K-pop, featuring one of his country’s most representative musical groups.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026
  • This is pure comfort, but keeping slippers on the first, second, and third floor means never having to go up or down possibly three flights of stairs to locate them.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Players often downplay symptoms to stay on the field—and many signs of brain trauma, such as headaches, memory problems and fatigue, are easy to hide.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The restaurant also manages the hotel’s room service program, so having a steak delivered to your room is easy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of easy
Adjective
  • Rounding out their trio is Hazel (Kennedi Reece), a sweet, naive young woman, completely sheltered by her conservative upbringing but determined to follow her Michelle Obama dreams.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Pure-hearted, brave, and a little naive, audiences can’t help but love him.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of naive
Adjective
  • The old worst dressed lists could be cruel, sexist, culturally ignorant, and spectacularly misguided.
    — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Mamdani’s ignorant opinion illustrates Kissinger’s concern, relying on emotional display rather than the facts.
    — Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of ignorant
Adjective
  • Here, in this image of an ingenious skidding kitten—in both its brutality and its beautiful, dumb, playful resilience—lies the wisdom of Marcon’s art.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • In the scene, the 14-time Grammy winner appears to have a teardrop falling down her cheek and her lips are bare, rare for the pop icon who loves a bold hue.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
  • A day will surely dawn when those who sought refuge in the long shadow of American bullying—believing that mimicking the language of the mighty could shield them from the claws of power—will stand bare before the truth.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of bare

Browse Nearby Words

simpers
simple
simpleminded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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