simple
1 of 2adjective
sim·ple ˈsim-pəl 
simpler ˈsim-p(ə-)lər ; simplest ˈsim-p(ə-)ləst
; simplest ˈsim-p(ə-)ləst 1
: free from guile : innocent
2
a
: free from vanity : modest
b
: free from ostentation or display
a simple outfit
3
: of humble origin or modest position
a simple farmer
4
a
: lacking in knowledge or expertise
a simple amateur of the arts
b
: lacking in intelligence : stupid
c
: not socially or culturally sophisticated : naive
also : credulous
5
a
: sheer, unmixed
simple honesty
b
: free of secondary complications
a simple vitamin deficiency
c(1)
: having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses
a simple sentence
(2)
of a subject or predicate : having no modifiers, complements, or objects
d
: constituting a basic element : fundamental
e
: not made up of many like units
a simple eye
6
: free from elaboration or figuration
simple harmony
7
a(1)
: not subdivided into branches or leaflets
a simple stem
a simple leaf
(2)
: consisting of a single carpel
(3)
: developing from a single ovary
a simple fruit
b
: controlled by a single gene
simple inherited characters
8
: not limited or restricted : unconditional
a simple obligation
9
: readily understood or performed
simple directions
the adjustment was simple to make
10
of a statistical hypothesis : specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters compare composite sense 3
simpleness
ˈsim-pəl-nəs
noun simple
2 of 2noun
1
a
: a person of humble birth : commoner
thought very little of anybody, simples or gentry
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf b(1)
: a rude or credulous person : ignoramus
(2)
: simpleton
2
a
: a medicinal plant
b
: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3
: one component of a complex
specifically : an unanalyzable constituent
Synonyms
Adjective
- bald
- bare
- naked
- plain
- plain-vanilla
- unadorned
- undecorated
- unembellished
- unornamented
- unvarnished
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective The solution to the problem was relatively simple. The answer is really quite simple. There are three simple steps to follow. The camera is simple to use. Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point. The melody is very simple. I'm a simple farmer just trying to make a living. He enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife and kids after work. Relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset is one of life's simple pleasures. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2022 While some people are naturally gifted in the kitchen and make fixing dinners for the family look simple and fun, others need a little more help. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 15 Sep. 2022 That's why something as simple and sweet as a care package can change your perspective on the week (all while showing you that there are people who support you and notice your hard work). Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 15 Sep. 2022 The menu keeps it simple with tender platters and slider plates. Sofia Krusmark, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2022 The showstopping piece needed hardly any accessories, so Turner kept things simple, wearing only diamond drop earrings and her engagement ring and wedding band, and coordinating her glam to match the rosy tones of the dress. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Sep. 2022 It’s a fiduciary duty and responsible business, plain and simple. Halla Tómasdóttir, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2022 The Free State strategy is simple and incremental: Attract more members to this small state, acquire and concentrate political power, and then disassemble government from the inside out. Brian Macquarrie, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 Another one-shoulder gown, but this time simple and sheer, almost like a second skin against Alexandra Daddario’s subtle tan. Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 13 Sep. 2022 Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Sep. 2022 Creating a nest of spaghetti sets the base, while freezer meatballs and pre-made sauce keep this appetizer recipe simple. Kristy Alpert, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2022 Thompson kept Rodriguez's base simple with a little bit of blush on the cheeks. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 23 June 2022 Clarity is key and communications teams should focus on keeping the messaging simple and engaging for employees. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 Brassybra's boob tape cups make boob tape application simple. Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2022 The seven-time National Championship winning mentor, who has sent more than 100 players to the NFL, made the conversation simple. Don Yaeger, Forbes, 31 July 2022 Apps like Roadtrippers and RV Life Trip Wizard make that last part simple, enabling you to plot your route based on dozens of waypoint categories (like camping, restaurants, and outdoor activities) and how much driving you’d like to do per day. Outside Online, 12 July 2022 If the Fed can decree credit free as the simple in our midst routinely claim, why do Valley startups routinely hand over large equity positions to venture capitalists in return for cash? John Tamny, Forbes, 22 May 2022 See More
Adjective
The design is simple and chic, with a ribbed texture and super soft fleece material. Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2022 While some people are naturally gifted in the kitchen and make fixing dinners for the family look simple and fun, others need a little more help. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 15 Sep. 2022 That's why something as simple and sweet as a care package can change your perspective on the week (all while showing you that there are people who support you and notice your hard work). Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 15 Sep. 2022 The menu keeps it simple with tender platters and slider plates. Sofia Krusmark, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2022 The showstopping piece needed hardly any accessories, so Turner kept things simple, wearing only diamond drop earrings and her engagement ring and wedding band, and coordinating her glam to match the rosy tones of the dress. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Sep. 2022 It’s a fiduciary duty and responsible business, plain and simple. Halla Tómasdóttir, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2022 The Free State strategy is simple and incremental: Attract more members to this small state, acquire and concentrate political power, and then disassemble government from the inside out. Brian Macquarrie, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 Another one-shoulder gown, but this time simple and sheer, almost like a second skin against Alexandra Daddario’s subtle tan. Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 13 Sep. 2022 Noun
Lizzo kept her glam simple, opting for a natural, glossy makeup look, and her hair up in a messy ballerina bun. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Sep. 2022 Creating a nest of spaghetti sets the base, while freezer meatballs and pre-made sauce keep this appetizer recipe simple. Kristy Alpert, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2022 Thompson kept Rodriguez's base simple with a little bit of blush on the cheeks. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 23 June 2022 Clarity is key and communications teams should focus on keeping the messaging simple and engaging for employees. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 Brassybra's boob tape cups make boob tape application simple. Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2022 The seven-time National Championship winning mentor, who has sent more than 100 players to the NFL, made the conversation simple. Don Yaeger, Forbes, 31 July 2022 Apps like Roadtrippers and RV Life Trip Wizard make that last part simple, enabling you to plot your route based on dozens of waypoint categories (like camping, restaurants, and outdoor activities) and how much driving you’d like to do per day. Outside Online, 12 July 2022 If the Fed can decree credit free as the simple in our midst routinely claim, why do Valley startups routinely hand over large equity positions to venture capitalists in return for cash? John Tamny, Forbes, 22 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin simplus, alteration of Latin simplic-, simplex single, having one ingredient, plain, from sem-, sim- one + -plic-, -plex -fold — more at same, -fold
First Known Use
Adjective
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing simple
Kids Definition
simple
adjective
sim·ple ˈsim-pəl
simpler; simplest
1
: not hard to understand or solve
a simple task
2
: easy entry 1 sense 1, straightforward
a simple explanation
3
: lacking in education, experience, or intelligence
The queen was really a simple soul and always … had done nothing except state the overly obvious. Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux
Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux4
: not complex or fancy
She wore simple clothing.
5
: innocent sense 1, modest
6
: not rich or important
simple folk
7
: without qualification : sheer
the simple truth
Medical Definition
simple 1 of 2
adjective
sim·ple ˈsim-pəl
simpler -p(ə-)lər ; simplest -p(ə-)ləst
; simplest -p(ə-)ləst 1
: free from complexity or difficulty: as
a
: easily treated or cured
a simple vitamin deficiency
b
: controlled by a single gene
simple inherited characters
2
: of, relating to, or being an epithelium in which the cells are arranged in a single layer
simple
2 of 2noun
1
: a medicinal plant
2
: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
Legal Definition
simple
adjective
sim·ple
1
: oral or written but not under seal or of record
2
: not extreme, aggravated, or complicated
simple kidnapping
3
: having no limitations or restrictions see also fee simple
simple
adjective
1
as in plain
free from all additions or embellishment a simple design, and one that never goes out of fashion Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- plain
- unadorned
- bare
- clean
- naked
- unornamented
- stripped
- honest
- unvarnished
- unembellished
- undecorated
- spartan
- bald
- restrained
- quiet
- plain-vanilla
- homely
- unsophisticated
- modest
- unpretentious
- elemental
- natural
- subdued
- minimalist
- unobtrusive
- earthy
- forthright
- bleak
- stark
- inconspicuous
- austere
- conservative
- denuded
- understated
- divested
- severe
- muted
- antiseptic
- sober
- au naturel
- toned (down)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- fancy
- loud
- showy
- flashy
- decorated
- tawdry
- gaudy
- flamboyant
- ostentatious
- adorned
- swanky
- ornamented
- glitzy
- embellished
- garish
- ornate
- elaborate
- splashy
- exaggerated
- swank
- glittery
- lurid
- florid
- extravagant
- overwrought
- ornate
- baroque
- overdecorated
- overdone
- rococo
- bedizened
- dressed
- trimmed
- embroidered
- arrayed
- garnished
- bedecked
- apparelled
- appareled
- decked-out
2
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others growing up in simple innocence Synonyms & Similar Words
- unaffected
- genuine
- honest
- true
- straightforward
- innocent
- real
- naive
- unpretentious
- sincere
- spontaneous
- artless
- ingenuous
- guileless
- unpretending
- natural
- inexperienced
- unsophisticated
- naïve
- candid
- plain
- childlike
- simpleminded
- on the level
- frank
- malleable
- direct
- open
- persuasible
- unworldly
- impressionable
- unstudied
- unforced
- trustful
- trusting
- plainspoken
- free
- persuadable
- straight
- openhearted
- gee-whiz
- unguarded
- gullible
- wide-eyed
- dewy-eyed
- single-minded
- susceptible
- exploitable
- free-spoken
- unwary
- gullable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- artful
- sophisticated
- critical
- false
- artificial
- assuming
- pretentious
- dishonest
- fake
- cynical
- insincere
- phony
- suspicious
- affected
- skeptical
- wary
- worldly
- subtle
- refined
- phoney
- polished
- deceptive
- cosmopolitan
- civilized
- guileful
- tricky
- smooth
- devious
- manipulative
- mistrustful
- shrewd
- cultured
- sharp
- cunning
- deceitful
- hypocritical
- slick
- dissembling
- sly
- cultivated
- crooked
- designing
- dissimulating
- wily
- crafty
- slippery
- calculating
- underhanded
- flattering
- shifty
- foxy
- scheming
- worldly-wise
- unctuous
- sycophantic
- arch
- strained
- canny
- forced
- feigned
- knavish
- two-faced
- double-dealing
- mealymouthed
3
as in pure
having no exceptions or restrictions that's the simple truth Synonyms & Similar Words
- pure
- complete
- unconditional
- sheer
- very
- perfect
- utter
- absolute
- definite
- damned
- damn
- total
- profound
- outright
- real
- thorough
- deadly
- clean
- regular
- stark
- categorical
- downright
- huge
- endless
- thoroughgoing
- unadulterated
- dreadful
- fair
- stone
- blank
- constant
- unmitigated
- flat
- categoric
- straight-out
- classic
- unqualified
- horrible
- genuine
- plumb
- consummate
- crashing
- bodacious
- flat-out
- unalloyed
- terrible
- authentic
- blooming
- out-and-out
- rank
- eternal
- dead
- all-out
- arrant
- extraordinary
- perpetual
- extreme
- main
- terrific
- hopeless
- veritable
- unrestricted
- habitual
- supreme
- undying
- unremitting
- superlative
- confirmed
- frightful
- inveterate
- surpassing
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- questionable
- uncertain
- doubtful
- dubious
- restricted
- qualified
- equivocal
4
as in easy
involving minimal difficulty or effort I got all of the answers right because it was such a simple test Synonyms & Similar Words
- easy
- smooth
- cheap
- straightforward
- quick
- ready
- effortless
- painless
- facile
- light
- snap
- downhill
- fluent
- uncomplicated
- fluid
- soft
- royal
- obvious
- hands-down
- plain
- clear
- mindless
- unambiguous
- transparent
- idiotproof
- unchallenging
- evident
- unmistakable
- distinct
- apparent
- unequivocal
- manifest
- patent
- perspicuous
- clear-cut
- open-and-shut
- palpable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- difficult
- hard
- tough
- laborious
- arduous
- severe
- strenuous
- rough
- formidable
- exacting
- stiff
- demanding
- killer
- painful
- troublesome
- grueling
- complex
- herculean
- murderous
- complicated
- toilsome
- onerous
- burdensome
- labored
- intricate
- stressful
- oppressive
- exhausting
- gruelling
- problematic
- toilful
- problematical
- abstruse
- involved
- taxing
- recondite
- knotty
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- naive
- innocent
- primitive
- unsophisticated
- inexperienced
- immature
- ingenuous
- simpleminded
- green
- unsuspicious
- childish
- uncritical
- unworldly
- naïve
- dewy
- unsuspecting
- impractical
- naif
- trustful
- unknowing
- trusting
- unwary
- aw-shucks
- naïf
- childlike
- idealistic
- dewy-eyed
- believing
- wide-eyed
- unrealistic
- careless
- raw
- thoughtless
- susceptible
- gullible
- callow
- credulous
- tricked
- unguarded
- beguiled
- duped
- heedless
- gullable
- gulled
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sophisticated
- critical
- worldly
- knowing
- experienced
- careful
- cosmopolitan
- cynical
- suspicious
- skeptical
- cautious
- incredulous
- realistic
- pragmatic
- unconvinced
- wary
- doubting
- watchful
- pragmatical
- leery
- worldly-wise
- guarded
- sober
- hardheaded
- suspecting
- down-to-earth
- leary
- streetwise
- street-smart
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- ignorant
- dark
- inexperienced
- uneducated
- untutored
- innocent
- illiterate
- untaught
- unschooled
- rude
- naive
- uninstructed
- unlearned
- benighted
- nonliterate
- unlettered
- unsophisticated
- stupid
- analphabetic
- artless
- unread
- foolish
- dumb
- idiotic
- functionally illiterate
- silly
- green
- unknowledgeable
- semiliterate
- lowbrow
- uncultured
- moronic
- naïve
- unskilled
- innumerate
- idiotical
- brainless
- untrained
- uncultivated
- callow
- philistine
- imbecile
- raw
- witless
- senseless
- imbecilic
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- brilliant
- intelligent
- smart
- knowledgeable
- literate
- educated
- expert
- lettered
- sophisticated
- experienced
- schooled
- trained
- learned
- erudite
- familiar
- scholarly
- well-informed
- intellectual
- cultured
- well-read
- aware
- highbrow
- cultivated
- acquainted
- polymathic
- polyhistoric
- polymath
7
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
- stupid
- dumb
- slow
- thick
- dull
- dense
- silly
- idiotic
- foolish
- soft
- obtuse
- ignorant
- opaque
- mindless
- fatuous
- vacuous
- brainless
- unreasonable
- unintelligent
- dopey
- dorky
- dim
- boneheaded
- insane
- crazy
- thickheaded
- senseless
- irrational
- doltish
- idiotical
- lamebrain
- dunderheaded
- mad
- bonehead
- absurd
- witless
- pinheaded
- airheaded
- oafish
- softheaded
- unsmart
- knuckleheaded
- moronic
- brain-dead
- dim-witted
- gormless
- simpleminded
- lamebrained
- chuckleheaded
- birdbrained
- thick-witted
- fool
- lunkheaded
- slow-witted
- dopy
- weak-minded
- empty-headed
- half-witted
- daft
- bubbleheaded
- illogical
- zany
- nonsensical
- unthinking
- uneducated
- asinine
- uninformed
- cretinous
- unintellectual
- lunatic
- feebleminded
- preposterous
- wacky
- unwise
- illiterate
- imbecile
- nutty
- untaught
- sappy
- kooky
- lowbrow
- dippy
- fallacious
- invalid
- looney
- imbecilic
- dotty
- screwball
- whacky
- daffy
- boobish
- cuckoo
- featherheaded
- harebrained
- tomfool
- loony
- half-baked
- balmy
- crackpot
- cockeyed
- kookie
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- quick
- clever
- brilliant
- fast
- smart
- intelligent
- ingenious
- bright
- apt
- sharp
- nimble
- wise
- keen
- resourceful
- brainy
- acute
- insightful
- astute
- knowing
- thinking
- savvy
- perceptive
- keen
- sagacious
- cerebral
- knowledgeable
- intellectual
- skilled
- learned
- discerning
- erudite
- reasonable
- literate
- scholarly
- quick-witted
- ultrasmart
- sage
- supersmart
- sensible
- shrewd
- logical
- cunning
- sharp-witted
- informed
- sound
- trained
- perspicacious
- educated
- prudent
- valid
- rational
- wily
- crafty
- sane
- hyperintelligent
- judicious
- highbrow
- sapient
- percipient
- well-read
- schooled
- foxy
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
Facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness.
facile answers to complex questions
Although the words light and simple have much in common, light stresses freedom from what is burdensome.
a light teaching load
The synonyms smooth and simple are sometimes interchangeable, but smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles.
a smooth ride
- snake's-head
- snake's-head iris
- snake's-head lily
- snake's-heads
- snake's-tongue
- snake's-tongues
- snake-dance
- snake-danced
- snake-dances
- snake-dancing
- snake-eater
- snake-grass
- snake-headed fish
- snake-hipped
- snake-milk
- snake-necked
- snakebark
- snakeberries
- snakeberry
- snakeberryes
- snakeberrys
- snakebird
- snakebirds
- snakebit
- snakebite