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Definition of simpleton

simpleton

/ˈsɪm.pəl.tən/
sim · ple · ton
Plural:simpletons
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simpleton Lexical Profile

simpleton Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A foolish, gullible, or easily deceived person who lacks common sense or intelligence.

Example

"The con artist treated the tourists like gullible simpletons, trying to sell them counterfeit tickets at twice the normal price."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

simplemindedly
simplemindedness
simpleness
simpleton
simplicity
simplification
simplifier

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century by combining the adjective 'simple' (in the sense of foolish or naive) with the playful surname suffix '-ton', modeled on English place-name surnames such as Singleton.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Simpleton. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/simpleton
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