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as in stupid
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective simple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of simple are easy, effortless, facile, light, and smooth. While all these words mean "not demanding effort or involving difficulty," simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent.

a simple problem in arithmetic

When could easy be used to replace simple?

The meanings of easy and simple largely overlap; however, easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks.

an easy college course

In what contexts can effortless take the place of simple?

While the synonyms effortless and simple are close in meaning, effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness.

moving with effortless grace

How are the words facile and easy related as synonyms of simple?

Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.

facile answers to complex questions

When is light a more appropriate choice than simple?

Although the words light and simple have much in common, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.

a light teaching load

When is it sensible to use smooth instead of simple?

The synonyms smooth and simple are sometimes interchangeable, but smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.

a smooth ride

Examples of simple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Their goal is simple: to help make logical sense of an intricately nonlinear assortment of scenes. Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Oct. 2024 Even Sophie Turner's most casual looks feel effortlessly cool thanks to one simple trick. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2024 Remember that your job doesn’t need to be your whole personality, but a few simple things can set you up for success. Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 These cookies are simple to make and celebrate all the best flavors of autumn. Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simple 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'simple.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near simple

Cite this Entry

“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simple. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on simple

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