SIMPLEMINDED Synonyms: 212 Similar and Opposite Words

simpleminded

adjective

ˌsim-pəl-ˈmīn-dəd

Definition of simpleminded

as in naive

lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment a simpleminded view of a complex problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Championship rings are not used as a measuring stick only by overcaffeinated fans and simpleminded columnists and talk-show hosts. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simpleminded

Adjective

Only the most naïve of lawmakers believe there won’t be consequences to taxpayers that will lead to their constituents paying more taxes.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world.

— Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of naive

Adjective

Waist circumference is one simple way to estimate visceral fat.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
From a straightforward season-long points race to giving the points leader a cushion on the leaderboard, and now the simple format of awarding the FedEx Cup to the winner of the Tour Championship, the postseason has long needed a boost.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy.

— Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stupid

Adjective

The roster might as well be an All-Star team, and this pitching staff is absurd.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
The very idea of a trade war with Canada — our neighbor, our ally, our closest friend, a nation that’s peaceful and whose people have a reputation for kindness — is absurd.

— Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of absurd

Browse Nearby Words

simple

simpleminded

simplemindedness

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“Simpleminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simpleminded. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of simpleminded

adjective

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