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
Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Or that a different definition will make a theory simpler.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2024
Still, even simple flourishes like multiple color options were once rare.
—PCMAG, 17 Nov. 2024
Many contracts fail because declarer omits a simple arithmetical process: counting the defenders’ hands.
—Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for simple 
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Adjective
If peace has always been but a simple voluntary choice, the price of human imperfection has been paid in the coin of perpetual war.
—Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Or that a different definition will make a theory simpler.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2024
Still, even simple flourishes like multiple color options were once rare.
—PCMAG, 17 Nov. 2024
Many contracts fail because declarer omits a simple arithmetical process: counting the defenders’ hands.
—Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for simple
Dictionary Entries Near simple
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simple. Accessed 26 Nov. 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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