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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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 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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of simple
Fixing New York’s affordable housing isn’t as simple as going after bad landlords.
—
Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
SpanxSupersmooth PerfectFit Ponte Zip Leggings Now a whopping 70 percent off, these simple leggings with ankle zippers are ready to snag to add a touch of flair to your travel wardrobe.
—Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
The white pitcher with a simple ribbon gives the arrangement a special but casual vibe.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
If the measure does not pass with a simple majority, Menlo Park’s Planning Commission is expected to hold hearings in late 2026 or early 2027 to review whether the project conforms to the city’s general plan.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
SpanxSupersmooth PerfectFit Ponte Zip Leggings Now a whopping 70 percent off, these simple leggings with ankle zippers are ready to snag to add a touch of flair to your travel wardrobe.
—Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
The white pitcher with a simple ribbon gives the arrangement a special but casual vibe.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
If the measure does not pass with a simple majority, Menlo Park’s Planning Commission is expected to hold hearings in late 2026 or early 2027 to review whether the project conforms to the city’s general plan.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
-
For areas south and east of the city, a change to plain rain is anticipated before clearing later in the night.—
Matthew Villafane,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Once the burners are completely cool, use a cloth dampened with plain water to wipe off the spill.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In an email to employees, Chairman of the Board Michael Wichterich said Expand Energy's move to Houston will be completed by mid-2026 but promised the Oklahoma City workforce will be unaffected by the relocation.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Lids are generally more durable and can be reused multiple times, while parchment paper can only be reused a few times if its quality remains unaffected.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Otherwise, the tone of the show is pure cosmopolitan sympathy.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
-
That’s why Baumler’s pure stuff will only get him as far as his ability to command it against big league hitters.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The new method basically deletes climate change from the whole equation, which makes El Niño easier to spot.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Republicans are expected to have a much easier time retaining the Senate than the House, but a loss can’t be ruled out.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Critics say Starmer was, at best, naive in not recognizing the risks involved.—
JILL LAWLESS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Critics say Mandelson’s ties with Epstein made his appointment too risky and Starmer was, at best, naive.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Kudos to former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for showing class and not responding to this insecure, ignorant symbol of racist hatred.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Walz said children fear aggressive agents; critics called the comparison ignorant and offensive.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These apps often default to a faster, dumber model.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Who, other than dumb people like me, are gonna recruit high school kids?—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There was a metal cot, a coal-burning stove and a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
After the blooms on your moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) have shriveled and fallen off the plant, you're left with a long, bare green stem (technically called a spike).—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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