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
-
Even Portugal, who have been naive defensively but have considerable pace in attack, could threaten in transition, and Italy will need to shore up that element of their game to avoid being caught out.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
-
So, the whole thing just seems naive from people who’ve been oppressed by this murderous regime for 46 years.—
Fiction Non Fiction
July 3,
Literary Hub,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Marlins would be foolish to trade away an ace with affordable team control at his lowest value ever.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
Schulman’s characters make enough foolish and self-indulgent choices to fill a volume twice the size of this slim one.—
Book Marks
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
Part of Trump’s electoral successes have been cemented on his ability to deliver very simple political promises.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
And some stupid Republicans, and foolish Republicans, fall into the net.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 July 2025
-
The film ends with Lady Susan setting herself up in a kind of throuple, although one member of the ménage is too stupid to be so informed.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Additionally, wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian head scarf, at an event celebrating Arab Heritage Month was inflammatory of Johnson in the political environment following the massacre of innocent Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 July 2025
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Attorneys have also raised concerns about the increase in arrests of people with pending charges, who are presumed innocent, and disrupting their ability to mount a defense.—
Eva Wen,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
There were no costumes, no silly dances or hit parodies.—
Courtney Devores,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
-
That may sound silly to some, Foster said, but the work done by the Environmental Protection Agency in placing bands on birds and following the migration of bees informs officials about the impact of projects on the environment.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
From the vantage point of 2025, this appears as absurd as suggesting that women’s soccer matches should be 70 minutes instead of 90, the same as in the men’s game.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
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The French super powerhouse has taken teams part since winning the UEFA Champions League crown on May 24, outscoring its foes by an absurd 21-1 margin.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Marketing and advertising have undergone a similar shift from mad men to math men.—
Kian Bakhtiari,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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People are very, very confused, and some people are very disappointed and mad.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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