dim-witted

adjective

dim-wit·​ted ˈdim-ˈwi-təd How to pronounce dim-witted (audio)
variants or less commonly dimwitted
: not intelligent : stupid
dim-wittedly adverb
or less commonly dimwittedly
dim-wittedness noun
or less commonly dimwittedness

Examples of dim-witted in a Sentence

the show's amateur sleuth always has to explain to the dim-witted police chief who really committed the murder
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 this new-original sequel, however, the Spinal Tap trio seem older and wiser, and that’s a shame, since their dim-witted antics (going in circles trying to find the stage or rationalizing an all-black album cover) became the stuff of legend. Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Sep. 2025 Three years later, Hurst was cast on CBS’ The Dukes of Hazzard as Hazzard County bigwig Boss Hogg’s dim-witted second cousin, twice removed. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 26 June 2025 Rising from the coffin of a hilarious but obscure mockumentary feature about four sort-of loser vampire housemates in suburban New Zealand, the FX sitcom shifted the action to Staten Island and cast its undead ensemble as blithely murderous, petty, pansexual and often dim-witted. Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 During The Beverly Hillbillies’ nine-season run, Baer Jr. starred as dim-witted Clampett cousin Jethro Bodine as well as making several appearances in drag as his character’s twin sister, Jethrine. John Russell, People.com, 11 May 2025 But fans clearly missed seeing the endearing — if dim-witted — Joey alongside his pals Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), and Ross (David Schwimmer), because viewership steadily declined as the series progressed. Shania Russell, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dim-witted was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Dim-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dim-witted. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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