no-brainer

noun

no-brain·​er ˈnō-ˈbrā-nər How to pronounce no-brainer (audio)
Synonyms of no-brainernext
: something that requires a minimum of thought

Examples of no-brainer in a Sentence

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.
In column after column, from the late 19th century onward, writers and editors treated questions about the citizenship status of the children of unnaturalized parents as a no-brainer. Lawrence Glickman, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026 Button-ups are also a no-brainer in Europe, where collared shirts are more common. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026 For a steady stream of cheerful blooms from spring until the first frost, impatiens are a no-brainer. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026 Though cooking chicken in this appliance is a no-brainer, following a recipe will only elevate the result. Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-brainer

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-brainer was in 1954

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-brainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-brainer. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on no-brainer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster