1
as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
a simpleminded view of a complex problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in foolish
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
scornful of their simpleminded belief that their parents would always be there to take care of them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 simpleminded
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simpleminded
Adjective
-
Although this Cinderella is thankfully not a naive maiden, her storyline occasionally gets muddled by one too many loose threads.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Jan. 2025
-
The clip sparked strong reactions from viewers, some accusing Luke of cheating or Liv of being naive.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The grade partly reflects the inevitable hot streak that would make a lower grade look foolish.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
-
In other words, the labor market and the economy remain strong and solid on their own, but could be undone by foolish economic policies that our politicians might implement.—
Harry Holzer,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
As long as a biopsy is done and it’s recognized early, there’s a very high chance of cure with very simple and minimally invasive procedures.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Her voice is the center (a volcano, an oasis) and the music is simple, supportive and emotional.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
There are no more stupid questions and an open, supportive, and curious culture evolves.—
Darpan Munjal,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The cliché that Americans are stupid and lazy is as pernicious as the cliché that teenagers are, well, stupid and lazy.—
John Hodgman,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
They have been used before in crowded city centers in Europe to take innocent lives and spread fear.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
-
What does that have to do with innocent bystander Zac Efron?—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Here’s the thing: the three guys were totally down, but convincing Queen Bey to get super silly with them was going to be another matter entirely.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
28 Jan. 2025
-
This Sabrina is silly and effusive and a tad bit privileged.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Courts should continue to quickly reject his absurd, insulting, and ahistorical legal arguments, which violate the clear text of the 14th Amendment.—
Elizabeth Wydra and Nina Henry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Ironically, its only real payoff is its surreal magnitude of Drake-centricity (down to casting a look-alike), which largely ends up being absurd and hilarious thanks to events entirely outside of the film’s purview.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The slow-burn setup (even despite punctuations of mad violence) all leads to the requisite gala centerpiece, where the quote-unquote new and improved Elvira is revealed to her potential Prince.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The fires that tore through Altadena and Pacific Palisades have created a mad rush for a place to live, as thousands of newly homeless families enter what was already a housing market in crisis.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near simpleminded
Cite this Entry
“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share