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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 Travel can be a quiet retreat, a getaway from life’s monotony, and a simple return to self. Essence, 12 May 2025 While rectal cancers can be detected with a simple MRI scan, other cancer types are more difficult. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025 Style them with a simple tank for a casual day out, or add a blazer and ballet flats for a more polished airport look. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025 Murder victim's family has been 'counting down the minutes' until South Carolina execution Texas pastor with simple dream killed in his own church. James Powel, USA Today, 1 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
  • Transform any rejection into pure business motivation and wins.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • By pure chance, Prevost was shown on the MLB on FOX broadcast for that game at U.S. Cellular Field on Oct. 22, 2005, and the cameras caught him during the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox were clinching a 5-3 win over the Houston Astros.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 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
  • One of the reasons black braids are so popular is because the look is easy to recreate.
    Jessica Fields, Essence, 8 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
  • Problematic to be sure, but also a very in-character move for an ignorant buffoon.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 6 May 2025
  • But here's a reminder for us: casual cruelty, performed by ignorant fascists.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 May 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
Adjective
  • Individual leaves can be removed but this usually results in bare stems.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • Victories over Fulham and Everton were the bare minimum required to keep Chelsea’s top-five hopes alive, but beating Liverpool — even a less-than-peak Liverpool so soon after securing the Premier League title — last Sunday was a bigger statement.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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