1
as in plain
free from all additions or embellishment
a simple design, and one that never goes out of fashion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
growing up in simple innocence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pure
having no exceptions or restrictions
that's the simple truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in easy
involving minimal difficulty or effort
I got all of the answers right because it was such a simple test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in dumb
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
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
By keeping stories simple and relatable, Peppa Pig helps kids understand how to build healthy relationships.
—
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026
Baking soda and charcoal bags are simple, natural ways to absorb lingering smells without chemicals.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026
This wave nature has been demonstrated many times, but only for very small objects such as electrons, atoms, and simple molecules.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
The actor later told his followers not to make such a hubbub out of a simple comment.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026
Baking soda and charcoal bags are simple, natural ways to absorb lingering smells without chemicals.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026
This wave nature has been demonstrated many times, but only for very small objects such as electrons, atoms, and simple molecules.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
The actor later told his followers not to make such a hubbub out of a simple comment.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
-
The demonization of Israel leads to physical attacks on Jews — plain and simple.—
Marc Schneier,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Unlike unsweetened or plain baking chocolate, bittersweet chocolate can contain flavors like vanilla and emulsifiers like soy lecithin.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The company said operations remain unaffected despite early concerns over building damage.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Jan. 2026
-
Our measurement data shows that routing announcements were largely unaffected.—
Alberto Dainotti,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But from a pure wrestling standpoint, Styles-Nakamura.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Their expertise and pure joy for all the young talents growing and achieving through their guidance and support uplifts the enthusiastic energy of the teammates, their families and the entire ranch, according to the news release.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
After Iribarne’s free throw, Beckman couldn’t knock down a 3, and Aliso allowed an easy bucket with five seconds left, then didn’t worry about putting the ball in play again.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Cohen suggests incorporating accent pieces—pillows, objects, and art—done in more vibrant tones that are easy to edit or remove over time.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The Irish actor, 29, leads A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a new Game of Thrones spinoff series based on a series of novellas by Martin, 77, that follows naïve knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Claffey) and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
We’d be laughed at and called ignorant boors!—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Dunk isn’t ignorant of what doing the right thing could cost him.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Okay, there's trying something new and then there's just being dumb.—
Samantha Highfill,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?—
Lili Anolik,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But the case laid bare a stark divide on the high court.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
-
People typically work two, three or more jobs just to survive, and still cupboards and refrigerators are nearly bare.—
Regina Garcia Cano,
Fortune,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
