Synonyms of simply

simply

adverb

ˈsim-plē 

1

as in only

for nothing other than

the scholarships are awarded simply on the basis of merit

uninterested in food, she eats simply to keep alive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• only
• just
• purely
• solely
• exclusively
• alone
• basically
• primarily
• mainly
• mostly
• generally
• largely
• substantially
• principally
• chiefly
• predominantly
• by and large

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• also
• likewise
• additionally
• besides

2

as in just

nothing more than

it's simply smart to shop around before buying an item

Synonyms & Similar Words

• just
• only
• merely
• purely
• but

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of simply

While Brandon Jacobs has simply held onto the memories of a man who treated him as his own son, Lee Jacobs has spent part of his adult life trying to learn who his father was. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Abby, who killed Joel in season two, is a far more interesting character, and Kaitlyn Dever is simply a much more captivating actress. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Catches works to show proportion and how garments behave in motion, rather than simply generating an AI image of a static item. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Whether that means early hormone testing—as Jung and Purdie suggest—or simply knowing that going abroad is an option. — Jessica Poitevien, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026