simpleton

noun

sim·​ple·​ton ˈsim-pəl-tən 

: a person lacking in common sense

Synonyms of simpleton

• fool
• lunatic
• moron
• idiot
• goose
• maniac

Examples of simpleton in a Sentence

The instructions were so complicated I felt like a complete simpleton.

his silly antics at office parties have earned him a reputation as a simpleton

Recent Examples on the Web

Redmayne plays a creep; Henry, a yearner; Keoghan, a simpleton. — Glenn Whippcolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2023

Gamble, seeing there was no way to get anywhere with the chancellor playing the simpleton, opened the floor to softball questions. — Thomas Meaney, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024

Savvy and simpleton investors alike could easily pick apart Snap’s latest quarterly data. — Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2022

Max initially dismisses Becky, a college dropout turned temp, as a bubbly simpleton, far below his intellectual rank. — Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

simple entry 1 + -ton (as in surnames such as Washington)

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

simpleton

noun

sim·​ple·​ton ˈsim-pəl-tən 

: a person lacking in common sense