1
as in plain
free from all additions or embellishment
a simple design, and one that never goes out of fashion
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Relevance
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2
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
growing up in simple innocence
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3
as in pure
having no exceptions or restrictions
that's the simple truth
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4
as in easy
involving minimal difficulty or effort
I got all of the answers right because it was such a simple test
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5
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
developers mistakenly thought that the local residents were simple people who would sell their land for practically nothing
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6
as in ignorant
lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books
the fact that he didn't go to college doesn't mean he's simple
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7
as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
don't be so quick to characterize people who have trouble with computers as simple
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1
as in simplicity
the quality or state of being simple and sincere
the simpleness of the villagers was so disarming that she temporarily abandoned her natural cynicism
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2
as in thickness
the quality or state of lacking intelligence or quickness of mind
his sweetness was more important to them than his simpleness
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3
as in naiveté
readiness to believe the claims of others without sufficient evidence
there's a good-hearted simpleness about her that makes her easy prey for scams
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of simple
Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 30 Apr. 2025
Our study also offers a simple method to help forecast wage trends, which contractors can use to estimate future labor costs.
—Bahaa Chammout, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
Her stylish look is a prime example that, sometimes, a simple and sleek coat is enough for your going-out look.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
The simplest way, Studholme suggests, is to use one group of neutrals or a tone on tone graduation of the same color, such as Pigeon, Blue Gray, Muzzle and Cromarty from Farrow & Ball, for example.
—Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simple
Adjective
On a traditional cold-brew maker, the process is remarkably simple: Grind beans coarsely, put them in water, leave the mixture out on the counter or in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours, and wait.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 30 Apr. 2025
Our study also offers a simple method to help forecast wage trends, which contractors can use to estimate future labor costs.
—Bahaa Chammout, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
Her stylish look is a prime example that, sometimes, a simple and sleek coat is enough for your going-out look.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
The simplest way, Studholme suggests, is to use one group of neutrals or a tone on tone graduation of the same color, such as Pigeon, Blue Gray, Muzzle and Cromarty from Farrow & Ball, for example.
—Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
-
There are many causes for hair loss—pregnancy, medication, stress, tight styling, or just plain genetics, to name a few.—
Danielle Cohen,
Glamour,
2 May 2025
-
Our Review Only recent Macs with either M4 Pro or M4 Max CPUs support Thunderbolt 5; Macs with plain M4 chips will not.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Although the London Marathon’s entry rules are currently unaffected, British conservative media and tabloid newspapers are already putting pressure on the event to change its policies.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Will Brandy be stuck in that alt-reality forever or emerge unscathed and unaffected?—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When a curious 6-year-old met a playful dolphin, their precious connection created pure magic.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Other video motifs include UFOs, idyllic green pastures, and vigorous exhortations to drink only the purest, rawest milk.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Naturally, companies with regular positive cash flow, low debt utilization, and low debt-to-income ratios will have an easier time borrowing – even at relatively higher interest rates – than companies that are financially struggling.—
Rohit Arora,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
The easiest way in is with a pair of slim black leggings or trousers; Bella Hadid went with a matching jacket and heels, and the look is pure elegance.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
But that thinking is naive and sorely mistaken, says social scientist Michael Flood, who's at Queensland University of Technology in Australia.—
Michaeleen Doucleff,
NPR,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The Canadian election result cautions against the Fortress North America concept, at once so domineering and so naive.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This situation would be a comedy of errors if not for its ending in tragedy: Andy is ignorant of Sherry’s affections, Sherry has no notion of Crawford’s intentions, and Crawford could not care less about either of them.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some sellers, who may only own a home for a few years, may be ignorant of its past.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In one sense, this isn’t an entirely stupid proposition.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
3 May 2025
-
Vel rails against the offender, saying her lover was the kind of warrior the Ghor rebels are trying to be and that her loss is both incalculable and stupid.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The simplicity of pressure washing leads many to dismiss it as a side hustle rather than a scalable business.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
-
For minimalist interior designers, there’s beauty in simplicity and restraint.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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