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Definition of simplistic

simplistic

/sɪmˈplɪs.tɪk/
sim · plis · tic
Adverb:simplistically
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simplistic Lexical Profile

simplistic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Treating complex issues and problems as if they were much simpler than they really are; overly or naively simplified.

Example

"The editorial offered a simplistic solution to a deeply rooted economic crisis."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for simplistic
Antonyms
View all antonyms for simplistic

Word Nuance & Usage

"Simplistic" should not be used as a synonym for "simple." While "simple" is neutral or positive (meaning easy to understand or uncluttered), "simplistic" is pejorative and means treating a complex issue as if it were much simpler than it really is.

• Rhymes for simplistic

• Nearby Words

simplification
simplifier
simplify
simplistic
simplistically
simply
simulant

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun "simplism" (modeled on French "simplisme"), ultimately tracing back to the Latin "simplex," meaning "single" or "uncompounded."

Cite this Entry

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