simplicity

noun

sim·plic·i·ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

Synonyms of simplicity

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naivete

: folly, silliness

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

: directness of expression : clarity

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions. the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Clinamen @ The Park Avenue Armory Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s Clinamen was mesmerizing in its simplicity. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026 Mantel cleaves instead to a felicitous simplicity, to constructions that achieve consonance with the period but stop short of mimicry. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 Yeast protein is not new to food science, but its use as the sole protein source in a ready-to-drink format with this level of simplicity is still uncommon. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 For dogs with sensitivities, that simplicity can be especially appealing. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simplicity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of simplicity was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Simplicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplicity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·plic·i·ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē

plural simplicities

: the quality or state of being simple

: honesty, straightforwardness

: clearness of expression

: the quality or state of being plain

: folly sense 1, silliness

simplicity

noun

Synonyms of simplicity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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simplicity

noun

Synonyms of simplicity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing simplicity

Rhymes for simplicity

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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