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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of simple
The updates are a stark contrast to the simple designs favored by past presidents like Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
—
Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 July 2025
Accessories were kept simple with large black sunglasses, a black and gold chain shoulder bag, and gold bangles—save for an extra large, wide-brimmed black sun hat.
—Vogue, 23 July 2025
His trek from rural highways to small towns across the Deep South reveals the visceral reactions his simple statement of solidarity provokes, exposing the depth of the nation’s ideological divisions while capturing rare moments of genuine human connection.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 July 2025
The simple solution is wearing regular ballet flats, whether they’re made from leather, satin, or something else.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for simple
Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 July 2025
Accessories were kept simple with large black sunglasses, a black and gold chain shoulder bag, and gold bangles—save for an extra large, wide-brimmed black sun hat.
—Vogue, 23 July 2025
His trek from rural highways to small towns across the Deep South reveals the visceral reactions his simple statement of solidarity provokes, exposing the depth of the nation’s ideological divisions while capturing rare moments of genuine human connection.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 July 2025
The simple solution is wearing regular ballet flats, whether they’re made from leather, satin, or something else.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
-
But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
-
Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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But the economy won’t spiral downward too far, because so much of America’s spending and production is unaffected by tariffs.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Many experts believe that most of the auto sales this year have been of inventory that was imported before the duties, meaning their prices would be unaffected.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
This remains pure conjecture, and an exaggeration of the role of symbiosis beyond what mainstream evolutionary theory would support; random mutation is still considered the main driver of speciation.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
-
Cam, 40, inhabits a space similar to Brandi Carlile, her appealing songs making their point in a pure, expressive voice.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Designing two spaces to enjoy for years would have been much easier if the Ezra collection had existed from the Better Homes & Gardens line at Walmart.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
-
Both filters last 18 months, so the higher replacement costs are a little easier to swallow.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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Even Portugal, who have been naive defensively but have considerable pace in attack, could threaten in transition, and Italy will need to shore up that element of their game to avoid being caught out.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
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How did an obscure, scientifically naive mining society discover the wheel, when highly advanced civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians, did not?—
Kai James,
JSTOR Daily,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Residents are far from ignorant of Michigan’s law on train blockages.—
Ayah Imran,
Freep.com,
18 July 2025
-
With the current events unfolding in the U.S. (as well as the ongoing struggle for People of Color), Hightower didn’t want to be ignorant of what was happening in their country.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.—
Daniel Jackson,
Allure,
18 July 2017
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Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.—
Andy Benoit,
The MMQB,
10 July 2017
Adjective
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With its minimalist rectangular face and refined proportions, the Carino watch by Heaven Mayhem adds just enough polish to bare wrists peeking from oversized shirt cuffs.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Riccardo’s dad, along with two lifeguards and other vacationers, began digging with their bare hands and eventually discovered Riccardo’s lifeless body in the hole that had collapsed and caved in, per the outlet.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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