SIMPLE-MINDED Synonyms: 212 Similar and Opposite Words

simpleminded

adjective

ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd

Definition of simpleminded

as in naive

lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment a simpleminded view of a complex problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in foolish

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment scornful of their simpleminded belief that their parents would always be there to take care of them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of simpleminded 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simpleminded

Adjective

The cyclical reality awaiting ‘naive capital’ Allianz is far from the only insurer to have prospered through recent upheavals.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
But performing fealty to that naïve and impoverished picture of judging had become nearly de rigueur for both liberals and conservatives.

— Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

Definition of naive

Adjective

Comparing Young’s new deal to any extension for Davis would be a foolish exercise.

— Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Further, Plato’s disdain for Gorgias, Antisthenes’ first teacher, and sophistry in general is clear; in the Platonic dialogue Gorgias, the titular character is made out to be rather foolish.

— Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of foolish

Adjective

Even when Romanzy goes off on how stupid and ugly Caleb is — and gossips that his parents abandoned him because something must be wrong with him — Mary goes along with it.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
Shockingly, the letter seems to be pushing for a return to standardized tests by, in effect, arguing that a growing percentage of their students are simply too stupid to succeed, no matter what professors do.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of stupid

Adjective

Again, another difficult night and a lot of dead people, innocent people, kids.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of innocent

Adjective

Sevigny holds firm to Tatum’s hard-to-love jerkishness, which helps smooth over the serious arguments that can turn inadvertently silly (and amplifies the purely silly ones).

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 July 2026
The post also included a sweet selfie with her two younger sons, with Mateo smiling widely and Ciro making a silly face for the camera.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

Hillmann said that the high percentage of inexperienced foreigners today makes the Pamplona bull runs particularly dangerous.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Leaders in at least three counties have publicly spoken out against Alfonso as being too inexperienced for the job and questioned Duffy’s influence.

— Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of inexperienced

Adjective

Space startup activity has been growing for years, with new companies hitting unicorn valuations at a pace that would have seemed absurd five years ago.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
That the Fendons don’t think to immediately tell their devastated adult son, Harry (Craig Roberts), that his dad is still alive is only the first delightfully absurd wrinkle in this mischievous black comedy.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of absurd

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simple

simpleminded

simplemindedness

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“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of simpleminded

adjective

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