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.
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Another person could make your day better simply by being easy to work with. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Put simply, the world needs gas to generate electricity and power heavy industry. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 In a grand painting of her animal retinue now simply known as The Woman with Dogs, thirty of Isabella’s dogs feature alongside her pet birds, pet monkeys, and the titular lady-in-waiting. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 The Rays, though, hit back with DeLuca simply putting the ball in play, and Brewers third baseman David Hamilton throwing it away in the bottom of the fourth to allow Caminero to cross the plate for the 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 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 1 Nov. 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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