simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē How to pronounce simplicity (audio)
-ˈpli-stē
plural simplicities
1
: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded
2
a
: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naiveté
3
: freedom from pretense or guile : candor
4
a
: directness of expression : clarity
b
: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions. the simplicity of the music
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.
Listen to this article MIAMI — The Miami Heat’s approach to free agency last summer was simplicity, that Jimmy Butler would return hungry for an extension, the core would meet Pat Riley’s mandate of elevated attendance, Jaime Jaquez Jr. would make sophomore strides. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025 Bronwen Sciortino, author & simplicity expert teaching easy ways to tailor-make healthy, happy & highly successful lives. Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Beyond their nutritional value, skewers win on simplicity. Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 24 May 2025 In an era of horror mired in pathos and trauma metaphors, there’s a refreshing simplicity to movies that are just about finding new ways to turn people into goop. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for simplicity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simplicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simplicity. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun
sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē How to pronounce simplicity (audio)
plural simplicities
1
: the quality or state of being simple
2
3
a
: clearness of expression
b
: the quality or state of being plain
4

More from Merriam-Webster on simplicity

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