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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 series’ earnestly naïve sound design (horses neighing, cars revving) only enhanced my appreciation of Joudrey’s sophisticated storytelling.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
But anyone who thinks that’s what CTU’s deal is about is hopelessly naive.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Until recently, history has largely recognized this foolish law as a New Deal mistake.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
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Little purple blossoms appearing on my lawn mean my jacaranda tree will soon be in bloom, leaving its sticky remnants all over the sidewalk, lawn and anyone foolish enough to park underneath it.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
This translates to the Gap cardigan sweater and the Levi’s shorts paired with the flats for a simple, slightly elevated look that feels comfortable.—
Isis Briones,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Doxxing is just a form of stupid bullying, not free speech.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2026
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Healey must think ratepayers – who are burdened with some of the highest energy costs in the country – are pretty stupid and simple minded.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Murray emphasized that all defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty, and declined to discuss the specifics of the case against Rice.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
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There is significant risk that, given the limited evidence specific to individuals, mass trials risk convicting innocent people.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Menu references to ancient reptiles — plus the brand’s silly mascot, a dinosaur in a toque — make fast food feel more like fun food.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Apr. 2026
-
What appears to be a bouncy, silly romp about a slightly surreal situation (Murray plays Phil, a weatherman reliving the same day over and over) is, at its core, actually quite deep.—
Debby Wolfinsohn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Blackhawks understood that handing their defense to a group of young, inexperienced players would be a challenge after the trade deadline.—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
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As New York Magazine reported last month, shifts are also crushingly long, the vast majority of managers are young and inexperienced, and contracts often end abruptly without any prior warning.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But all jokes aside, that Howard Stern has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is, quite frankly, absurd.—
Malina Saval,
Rolling Stone,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Grief is absurd in the same way humor is absurd.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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