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
-
Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones and 72 years after House of the Dragon, A Knight of Seven Kingdom follows two unlikely heroes wandering Westeros … a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), and his diminutive squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2026
-
That naïve version of myself has since retired.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Although his fortunes have faltered, counting Trump out would be foolish.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2026
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But counting on two players with hamstring issues to rescue the defense seems more foolish than strategic.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Olive oil is also used to dress simple salads, roasted vegetables, and a host of other dishes.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Others have argued that the game represents a simple life that is becoming harder to obtain.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
24 Feb. 2026
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Above all else, avoid the stupid mistakes that lead to injury, illness, and evacuation from the game.—
Kristen Geil,
Outside,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Still, all these innocent inquiries have me even more on edge.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2026
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But if some of the address was a game show, much of it was a bloody Grand Guignol theater of horror stories, almost all about immigrants preying on the helpless and the innocent.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Every detail of Canadian/American (and the slash here is intentionally indicating a romantic relationship versus a friend or co-worker vibe) civics was sillier than the last.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Nothing is too silly or simple.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The officer said the review was needed because an inexperienced employee handled James’ initial vetting.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
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In the book, Krakauer is critical of the guiding companies for leading inexperienced climbers up the mountain despite the extreme dangers.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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As a result, the price of gold is now approaching $5,300 an ounce, a level that would have seemed absurd even to seasoned commodities traders just a few years ago.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Luke and Mike Bell, the father-and-son team from South Africa already famous for pushing electric quadcopters to velocities that seemed positively absurd, appear to be building for both.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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