simpleminded

adjective

sim·​ple·​mind·​ed ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd 

ˈsim-pəl-ˌmīn-

: devoid of subtlety : unsophisticated

also : foolish

simplemindedly adverb

simplemindedness noun

Synonyms

• aw-shucks
• dewy
• dewy-eyed
• green
• ingenuous
• innocent
• naïf
• naif
• naive
• naïve
• primitive
• simple
• uncritical
• unknowing
• unsophisticated
• unsuspecting
• unsuspicious
• unwary
• unworldly
• wide-eyed

Examples of simpleminded in a Sentence

a superstitious and very simpleminded man

He took a simpleminded approach to the problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tranquillity, often simple but rarely simpleminded, may be Ruscha’s essential quality as an artist. —Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023

But in general election terms, impeachment is a boon for the Democrats, which is why McCarthy is desperately trying to slow-walk these simpleminded drives for vengeance. —Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 7 July 2023

American democracy, as in the Electoral College, accommodates considerations more complex than simpleminded majoritarianism. —George Will, chicagotribune.com, 3 May 2018

And with a smirking Clint Eastwood as the soldier, the story—which Cullinan told entirely from the points of view of the women—became a simpleminded demonstration of how devious women are. —Charles Taylor, Newsweek, 22 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

simpleminded

adjective

sim·​ple·​mind·​ed ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd 

1

: unsophisticated sense 1

2

: foolish