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
5
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
1
2
a
: a medicinal plant
b
: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3
: one component of a complex
specifically
: an unanalyzable constituent
Synonyms
Examples of simple in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jackie Wattles, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024
The new law, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, allows trans people to change their legal gender by filling out a simple self-disclosure form to inform the registry offices.
—Anna Gordon, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
The answer is simple: They were named after Paul Wieduwilt and his wife, Sharon, who live on land adjoining the site.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024
That listless feeling can be significantly more harmful to the bottom line than a simple skills gap.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024
But mainly, the simple explanation is that — for all soccer’s tendency to hyperbole, its overriding obsession with systems, its fetishization of tactical complexity — a single game can be (and often is) determined solely by the talent of the individuals on the field.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
His stern court scenes are staged with simple effectiveness on Hildegard Bechtler’s cunning, multiple, brick-wall sets which are flown in and out to create different worlds.
—David Benedict, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
In simpler words, Indexify is a tool that simplifies data processing and extraction by introducing several innovative concepts.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
The place is supposed to feel like a village inn of yesteryear, where simple, lovingly made dishes are left to simmer on the stove throughout the day, offering nourishment to all comers.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2024
Get The Recipe 20 of 50 Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Everyone from the kids to the grandparents will be grabbing for these simple, but oh-so-yummy nibbles.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2023
This is remarkable because the substitution process is not all that simple for the auto industry.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024
First, the simple laying down and having his head kind of immobile.
—Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024
Here are some additional tips from financial advisors on making filing simple and maximizing your refund.
—Byalicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2024
Inside, the simple, 11- by 19-foot converted garage oozes with artistic depth.
—Virginia Brown, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Dermatologists say preteens should keep their skincare routine simple with a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
—Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2024
Teaching older kids and tweens how to care for their skin properly is important, but keeping their routine simple is key.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 12 Jan. 2024
Adjective
Some changes were simple: An audio-conferencing system was replaced with video, Hale said.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024
The new law, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, allows trans people to change their legal gender by filling out a simple self-disclosure form to inform the registry offices.
—Anna Gordon, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
The answer is simple: They were named after Paul Wieduwilt and his wife, Sharon, who live on land adjoining the site.
—Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024
That listless feeling can be significantly more harmful to the bottom line than a simple skills gap.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024
But mainly, the simple explanation is that — for all soccer’s tendency to hyperbole, its overriding obsession with systems, its fetishization of tactical complexity — a single game can be (and often is) determined solely by the talent of the individuals on the field.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
His stern court scenes are staged with simple effectiveness on Hildegard Bechtler’s cunning, multiple, brick-wall sets which are flown in and out to create different worlds.
—David Benedict, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
In simpler words, Indexify is a tool that simplifies data processing and extraction by introducing several innovative concepts.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
The place is supposed to feel like a village inn of yesteryear, where simple, lovingly made dishes are left to simmer on the stove throughout the day, offering nourishment to all comers.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Noun
Super simple to use, this GPS navigator has buttons on the sides and pairs with a phone app for extra features.
—Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2024
Get The Recipe 20 of 50 Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Everyone from the kids to the grandparents will be grabbing for these simple, but oh-so-yummy nibbles.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2023
This is remarkable because the substitution process is not all that simple for the auto industry.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024
First, the simple laying down and having his head kind of immobile.
—Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024
Here are some additional tips from financial advisors on making filing simple and maximizing your refund.
—Byalicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2024
Inside, the simple, 11- by 19-foot converted garage oozes with artistic depth.
—Virginia Brown, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Dermatologists say preteens should keep their skincare routine simple with a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
—Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2024
Teaching older kids and tweens how to care for their skin properly is important, but keeping their routine simple is key.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 12 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'simple.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near simple
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simple. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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 2 noun1
: a medicinal plant
2
: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
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