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 filmmaker masterfully integrates the naive art style into the film’s design and animation techniques.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
-
This movement, known as critical legal studies, was associated with the political left, and its exponents, known as crits, loved to disparage liberal theorists’ devotion to the Constitution as naïve and counterproductive.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
When a Republican says something foolish, network anchors react like a gator just crawled into the studio wearing a MAGA hat.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
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If Florida is worried about China’s rise, dismantling educational and cultural exchanges is a foolish response.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These are products have a short, simple ingredient lists that are easy to understand for regular consumers and are free from additives.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
-
Sometimes this involved simple in-person observations.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran — theyr’e not stupid.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
3 May 2026
-
That was celebrated by the lefties as liberation, or something stupid like that.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The agency noted that criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Faced with innocent bystanders being hurt — even killed — during the chases, some agencies have at times called off pursuits in the interest of safety.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Otherwise, those bobbleheads will look a little silly.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
-
If that strikes you as twee or downright silly, Olivia Newman‘s touchy-feely weepie is not on your wavelength.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Raman, who had endorsed Bass’ reelection before throwing her hat in at the last minute, came off as inexperienced, touchy and unprepared.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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They were throttled from start to finish, giving a young and inexperienced Spurs team plenty of confidence that Monday’s loss was nothing more than a fluke.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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That’s easier to accomplish the further the plot moves away from a diplomatic incident involving several national institutions and toward an occasionally absurd — but absorbing and well-paced — tale of individuals in over their heads.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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The attempt by right-wing activists to use the collapse of Spirit Airlines as a cudgel against the Democrats is ironic and absurd.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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