simply

adverb

sim·​ply ˈsim-plē How to pronounce simply (audio)
for sense 1 also -pə-lē
Synonyms of simply
1
a
: without ambiguity : clearly
b
: without embellishment : plainly
c
: directly, candidly
2
a
: solely, merely
eats simply to keep alive
simply cleaned it up and went to bed—Garrison Keillor
b
: really, literally
the concert was simply marvelous
—often used as an intensive
… simply crawling with geniuses.—F. Scott Fitzgerald

Synonyms of simply

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Examples of simply in a Sentence

Simply add water to the mix and stir. Simply click on the computer icon and follow the directions. If he continues to bother you, simply ignore him. You can order new checks simply by calling or going online. It is simply a matter of time before something goes wrong. The instructions are simply written. He lived simply on the farm. The diner is called simply “Joe's.” “Sorry, I can't help you,” he said simply. The problem, put simply, is money.
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.
Looking forward, adding Tesla will simply make a new SpaceX’s huge need for cash far more acute. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 The quality of the food, the attention to detail and experiences on offer are simply unmatched on the island, if not in the entire Balearic archipelago. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 One other thing to get used to is simply unlocking the phone. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 While Brandon Jacobs has simply held onto the memories of a man who treated him as his own son, Lee Jacobs has spent part of his adult life trying to learn who his father was. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simply

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of simply was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing simply

Rhymes for simply

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Browse Nearby Words

Simplon Tunnel
simply
simply connected
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Cite this Entry

“Simply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simply. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

simply

adverb
sim·​ply ˈsim-plē How to pronounce simply (audio)
1
a
: in a clear manner
stated the directions simply
b
: in a plain manner
simply dressed
c
: in a direct manner : candidly
told the story as simply as a child would
2
a
: for nothing more than
eats simply to keep alive
b
: without any question : truly
simply marvelous
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