1
as in plain
free from all additions or embellishment
a simple design, and one that never goes out of fashion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
growing up in simple innocence
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3
as in pure
having no exceptions or restrictions
that's the simple truth
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4
as in easy
involving minimal difficulty or effort
I got all of the answers right because it was such a simple test
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5
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
developers mistakenly thought that the local residents were simple people who would sell their land for practically nothing
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6
as in ignorant
lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books
the fact that he didn't go to college doesn't mean he's simple
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7
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of simple
If a companion delays plans, state what works for you and propose a simple solution that respects both sides.
—
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Through simple voluntary association, small businesses, gig workers, and sole proprietors gained negotiating power comparable to large firms.
—Justin Leventhal, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
And the danger for the leaders in Tehran is simple.
—CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Why do these simple foods work better than high-tech supplements?
—Rachel MacPherson, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Through simple voluntary association, small businesses, gig workers, and sole proprietors gained negotiating power comparable to large firms.
—Justin Leventhal, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
And the danger for the leaders in Tehran is simple.
—CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Why do these simple foods work better than high-tech supplements?
—Rachel MacPherson, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
-
Look for urea-free fertilizer that helps the plant absorb nitrogen more efficiently, and make sure to flush out the potting medium with plain water each month to prevent salt buildup that can harm the roots.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The goats prefer their trees plain.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That means that 96% of the property in the five boroughs — 96% of all potential housing stock — is completely unaffected by the regulatory restrictions associated with historic preservation.—
Michael S. Hiller,
New York Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The demolition plans were filed with the city the same day, but for unaffected parts of the complex, including a pool and a separate apartment building at Markham and Haynes streets.—
Rosana Hughes,
AJC.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In October 2023, Jemma DeCristo tweeted on social media there’s easy access to Zionist journalists who spread propaganda and misinformation.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
HotHands Hand Warmers are a convenient and easy way to stay warm and provide a boost of heat without taking extra layers.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Russia is a tyranny, which makes some of us feel naive.—
Max Hastings,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Some biologists believe that as much as 25 percent of the diet of some coyote packs in LA in the naive 1980s was human food.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
On its face, the government's defense appears to be that the individuals behind these statements are ignorant or incompetent, or both.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
-
The citizens of Oz are treated as no more than an undifferentiated crowd of extras, an ignorant and finally disposable monolith.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
20 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Okay, there's trying something new and then there's just being dumb.—
Samantha Highfill,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?—
Lili Anolik,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But the case laid bare a stark divide on the high court.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
-
People typically work two, three or more jobs just to survive, and still cupboards and refrigerators are nearly bare.—
Regina Garcia Cano,
Fortune,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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