pure and simple
idiom
: with nothing other than what has been mentioned
—used after a noun or phrase to add emphasis
It was fraud, pure and simple.
The relationship is over, pure and simple.
Examples of pure and simple in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to these rumors, the decision to cancel the concert actually resulted not from Lou Reed’s deplorable state but from a pure and simple inability to locate him.
—
Ana Leorne, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Freely No one likes to admit to being wrong, pure and simple.
—John Hall, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
No one will use this car in inclement conditions, but rather as a fair-weather machine to be seen and heard in—pure and simple.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024
Unlike in virtually every other major sporting event, the Olympics are all about patriotism, pure and simple and chilling.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pure and simple
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.
Ana Leorne, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Freely No one likes to admit to being wrong, pure and simple.
—John Hall, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
No one will use this car in inclement conditions, but rather as a fair-weather machine to be seen and heard in—pure and simple.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024
Unlike in virtually every other major sporting event, the Olympics are all about patriotism, pure and simple and chilling.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pure and simple
Cite this Entry
“Pure and simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pure%20and%20simple. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share