The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SIMPLEST
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
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More clues leading to the result SIMPLEST
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SIMPLEST mean?
SIMPLEST adjective- Uncomplicated; taken by itself, with nothing added.
- Without ornamentation; plain.
- Free from duplicity; guileless, innocent, straightforward.
- Undistinguished in social condition; of no special rank.
- Trivial; insignificant.
- Feeble-minded; foolish.
- (heading) Structurally uncomplicated.
- Mere; not other than; being only.