SIMPLE Synonyms: 559 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

simple

adjective

ˈsim-pəl

Definition of simple next

as in plain

free from all additions or embellishment a simple design, and one that never goes out of fashion

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unaffected

free from any intent to deceive or impress others growing up in simple innocence

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as in pure

having no exceptions or restrictions that's the simple truth

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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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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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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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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

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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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of simple So no matter who earned your vote this Election Day, do yourself this simple favor: close all of your tabs tracking polls of all stripes. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Since the summer of 2015, there has been a simple and basic question: Is Trump fit to be president, in mind and character? —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 5 Nov. 2024 Clark kept her look simple with a black sweater and bomber jacket at the Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the Butler Bulldogs play. —

Natasha Dye, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Wonderful motorcycles certainly came out of that new era, but many of us still pine for those simple yet versatile ULMs that carried us through our young adult years. —

William Roberson, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simple

Adjective

That's a sandwich of plain white bread with beef sausage and ketchup.

Claire Reilly, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Her costumes aren’t particularly notable, consisting mostly of plain suits and overcoats in a story where the flashy outfits go to characters like the Joker.

Gavia Baker-Whitelaw, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024