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
If a companion delays plans, state what works for you and propose a simple solution that respects both sides.
—
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Through simple voluntary association, small businesses, gig workers, and sole proprietors gained negotiating power comparable to large firms.
—Justin Leventhal, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
And the danger for the leaders in Tehran is simple.
—CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Why do these simple foods work better than high-tech supplements?
—Rachel MacPherson, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple
Adjective
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Look for urea-free fertilizer that helps the plant absorb nitrogen more efficiently, and make sure to flush out the potting medium with plain water each month to prevent salt buildup that can harm the roots.—
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The goats prefer their trees plain.—
Adjective
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Its orange light is the result of an atmospheric effect called Rayleigh Scattering, wherein particles deflect the bluer wavelengths of light reflected from the lunar surface, while allowing redder wavelengths to pass through relatively unaffected.—
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First, Erickson highlighted that AWS has the most diversified and hedged revenue sources, with its core business largely unaffected by generative AI and not a competitor of ChatGPT maker OpenAI.—
Adjective
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Just the pure joy of motion and music.—
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That verisimilitude functioned as a solvent, lending credibility and urgency to elements of the show that might otherwise register as pure cheese; the medical realism and sentimental flourishes were mutually reinforcing.—
Adjective
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In October 2023, Jemma DeCristo tweeted on social media there’s easy access to Zionist journalists who spread propaganda and misinformation.—
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HotHands Hand Warmers are a convenient and easy way to stay warm and provide a boost of heat without taking extra layers.—
Adjective
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Russia is a tyranny, which makes some of us feel naive.—
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Some biologists believe that as much as 25 percent of the diet of some coyote packs in LA in the naive 1980s was human food.—
Adjective
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On its face, the government's defense appears to be that the individuals behind these statements are ignorant or incompetent, or both.—
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The citizens of Oz are treated as no more than an undifferentiated crowd of extras, an ignorant and finally disposable monolith.—
Adjective
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As Legally Blonde's Elle Woods, Witherspoon charted a memorable path from dumb blonde to Harvard Law School graduate.—
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Celebrities fight it out to be eliminated from the competition as quickly as possible to avoid being crowned the nation’s dumbest.—
Adjective
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But the case laid bare a stark divide on the high court.—
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People typically work two, three or more jobs just to survive, and still cupboards and refrigerators are nearly bare.—
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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