simpleminded
adjective
sim·ple·mind·ed
ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd 
ˈsim-pəl-ˌmīn-
: devoid of subtlety : unsophisticated
also
: foolish
simplemindedly
adverb
simplemindedness
noun
Examples of simpleminded in a Sentence
a superstitious and very simpleminded man
He took a simpleminded approach to the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tranquillity, often simple but rarely simpleminded, may be Ruscha’s essential quality as an artist.
—
Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023
But in general election terms, impeachment is a boon for the Democrats, which is why McCarthy is desperately trying to slow-walk these simpleminded drives for vengeance.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 7 July 2023
American democracy, as in the Electoral College, accommodates considerations more complex than simpleminded majoritarianism.
—George Will, chicagotribune.com, 3 May 2018
And with a smirking Clint Eastwood as the soldier, the story—which Cullinan told entirely from the points of view of the women—became a simpleminded demonstration of how devious women are.
—Charles Taylor, Newsweek, 22 June 2017
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Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023
But in general election terms, impeachment is a boon for the Democrats, which is why McCarthy is desperately trying to slow-walk these simpleminded drives for vengeance.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 7 July 2023
American democracy, as in the Electoral College, accommodates considerations more complex than simpleminded majoritarianism.
—George Will, chicagotribune.com, 3 May 2018
And with a smirking Clint Eastwood as the soldier, the story—which Cullinan told entirely from the points of view of the women—became a simpleminded demonstration of how devious women are.
—Charles Taylor, Newsweek, 22 June 2017
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simpleminded. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
simpleminded
adjective
sim·ple·mind·ed
ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd
2
: foolish
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