1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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 first big work people make, that first foray into the public eye, has something so naive about it.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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But his answers Thursday painted the picture of an organization willing to trust internal answers over trading Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon or Michael Porter Jr. That is either delusional, naive, or both.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
To write off the Israeli leader would be foolish, especially with new elections not required until late 2026.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
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His writing is so human—his people are foolish in such human ways.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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White is easy, simple, and many times, the best choice for a clean slate.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
5 June 2025
-
Ahead of the most important game of the year, Luke Esquivel said the key to a strong performance will be simple.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
31 May 2025
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This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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While our lives tick along as normal these endless thousands of innocent human souls are still being expelled from the earth… for what?—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
30 May 2025
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Al Nassr When a YouTuber named Abu Omar dared to do an innocent impression of supervillain Lionel Messi at the home of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr gave a calm and measured response.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
The idea of telling someone that a specific whiskey glass is the absolute best is silly, like trying to dictate the design of their wedding ring for them.—
Tom Mylan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
One thing that’s been a challenge to satirists in the last 10 years is that reality has become so absurd, with the dumbest possible things happening every day, that there doesn’t always seem to be another level for satire to go to.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
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Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Fast, not scared to use his front bumper, don't care if somebody gets mad about it and on the verge of becoming a star.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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Netflix won’t need a mad genius to figure out that Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein needs to be brought to life on the biggest screen possible.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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