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 Experts said the strategy is a simple, sustainable way to counteract a sedentary lifestyle and support overall health. Allison Forsyth, Health, 30 June 2026 Plan a simple conversation to rebuild trust through steady presence and open listening. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 The workflow has to really be so simple, like one button to chop your samples. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026 The old math was simple, since more visible hours meant more dedication. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
  • With head coach Thomas Tuchel also renowned for his plain speaking, many are seeing this approach as a potential factor in England ending their long wait for a follow-up success to their triumph in the competition in 1966.
    Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • For a place of worship the temple was plain, with a long hallway of overlapping purple carpet and idols carved crudely from blush-colored marble.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Undergraduate lending is largely unaffected.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • While iPhones remain unaffected for now, industry analysts like Tarun Pathak suggest this move reflects a broader shift in consumer electronics pricing.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The World Cup visitors being blown away by all that is America is pure entertainment.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • Post-split, one Comcast entity will be a pure-play entertainment content company, with NBCUniversal and Sky assets, while the other company will be a leading broadband, cable and wireless provider.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The interior also comes with a cotton liner, which will be much easier to spot-clean should your cosmetics or snacks leave a stain.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Keep in mind that Santorini’s wine story is also an agricultural story, and Gaia makes that easier to feel.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • In her own naive way, Miss Manners notices that your concern about gift cards requires a remarkable number of dollar signs to express.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • And radical hope — not naive optimism, but hope that lives in imagination.
    Ashoka, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Let’s hope that George Santayana’s warning to those ignorant of history about the past repeating itself makes an exception for our present Defense Department.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • And then there are amateur collectors like me, who might not know ironstone from porcelain, but whose last day on earth could be spent touching old objects in ignorant bliss.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not all blondes are dumb, don’t judge a book by its cover, yada yada yada, lo and behold, Reese Witherspoon is a certified movie star.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2026
  • Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Residents also joined the search, using shovels and their bare hands to remove rubble in an effort to reach children trapped beneath the debris.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • So, again, be aware of an unlocked RCR 80V’s capabilities when handing the key fob over to a rider, and always gear up with a helmet, sturdy shoes, and no bare skin showing while riding.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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