1
2
3
4
5
6
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective simple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of simple are easy, effortless, facile, light, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

When could easy be used to replace simple?

The meanings of easy and simple largely overlap; however, easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

In what contexts can effortless take the place of simple?

While the synonyms effortless and simple are close in meaning, effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

How are the words facile and easy related as synonyms of simple?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When is light a more appropriate choice than simple?

Although the words light and simple have much in common, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

When is it sensible to use smooth instead of simple?

The synonyms smooth and simple are sometimes interchangeable, but smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of simple Plus, setting it up is super simple, the bass is strong enough to shake your room, and the Dolby Atmos feature adds this amazing 3D feel to the audio that pulls you into the action. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025 The dish is simple, a bowl of roasted corn is topped with a large dollop of mayo and a tangy-spicy sauce, then dusted with cotija cheese and chili powder. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025 Experts say these are all the benefits of this simple exercise Is Zone 2 cardio best for fat loss? Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Simple Systems: Create ease and flow with simple back-end structures and client journeys. Christine Williams, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
  • During Kenya’s mass protests last year, demonstrators created chatbots to explain complex legislation in plain language to help their peers understand its impact.
    Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2025
  • There are date-night options ranging from the expensive to the affordable, from the romantic to the just plain fun.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • For example, many could be reassigned to jobs in city departments that are unaffected by the budget crisis.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • However, even as many industries experience a general decline, there were five remote roles pointed out by FlexJobs that appear to be unaffected by the downward trend, and were in the highest demand in Q1 2025.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are some of the best words to describe his work: simple, clean, clear, pure and, above all, elegant.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
  • What’s actually the most interesting thing is to go the opposite route and go pure banal.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • With summer approaching, the Milky Way becomes easier to see, but spotting it won't be as simple as looking up at the sky.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Joe Biden's exit from American politics was never going to be easy.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be naive and offer $500 for a premium domain name.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • But that naive, first-generation Polish-American girl soon became a force to be reckoned with.
    Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has no knowledge of military history and has surrounded himself with advisers equally ignorant.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2025
  • Anger materializes in people who are toxic and ignorant.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Not just on the training pitch but in the dorm rooms, talking about the future and giggling at stupid jokes.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump said only stupid people would refuse a $400 million gift.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rickson stages both plays with elegant restraint, arranging just a few bits of furniture in front of a bare brick wall.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 May 2025
  • Our testers ranged from 35 years old to over 65, and each person carefully applied foundation on dry, bare skin using both a foundation brush and a makeup sponge.
    Jennifer Chan, People.com, 21 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on simple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!