simpleminded
adjective
sim·ple·mind·ed
ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd 
ˈsim-pəl-ˌmīn-
: devoid of subtlety : unsophisticated
also
: foolish
simplemindedly
adverb
simplemindedness
noun
Synonyms of simpleminded
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
Matt LeBlanc reprised his role as Joey Tribbiani, the goofy and simpleminded struggling actor who lived in New York City with his friends: Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston).
—
Angela Yang, NBC news, 20 Nov. 2025
Blanche, an amorous widow, takes in two roommates: Dorothy, a no-nonsense divorcee from Brooklyn, and Rose, a sweet but simpleminded Minnesotan.
—Time, 17 Sep. 2025
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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Angela Yang, NBC news, 20 Nov. 2025
Blanche, an amorous widow, takes in two roommates: Dorothy, a no-nonsense divorcee from Brooklyn, and Rose, a sweet but simpleminded Minnesotan.
—Time, 17 Sep. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simpleminded. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
simpleminded
adjective
sim·ple·mind·ed
ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd
2
: foolish
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