Definition of asininenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word asinine different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of asinine are fatuous, foolish, silly, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When could fatuous be used to replace asinine?

While the synonyms fatuous and asinine are close in meaning, fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When is foolish a more appropriate choice than asinine?

The meanings of foolish and asinine largely overlap; however, foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When can silly be used instead of asinine?

The synonyms silly and asinine are sometimes interchangeable, but silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

When would simple be a good substitute for asinine?

In some situations, the words simple and asinine are roughly equivalent. However, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of asinine That these sayings are meant to reflect something both deep and asinine about the film itself is self-evident. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2026 All of that would have seemed asinine mere weeks ago. Chad Graff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Speaking of people getting into hot water for saying asinine things, don’t miss Sabrina Impacciatore’s brilliantly inappropriate portrayal of Esmeralda Grande in The Office spin-off/continuation The Paper, which premieres on Peacock on Thursday, September 4. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025 What's worse than luring Robert De Niro to Netflix for a boring, soulless and asinine political thriller? Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 Alonso may not be the priority at first base for the Bronx Bombers, but to say there is zero interest is asinine. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Altman’s is a plainly asinine claim; a bunch of code running in a data center is not the same as a brain. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 Comedy videos about customer service and asinine Atlanta eatery rules were already popular on TikTok but have seen major pickup since Lee’s viral videos. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2023 Rogozin's claim that the only evidence Roscosmos could offer of the Moon landings was a book by Leonov is asinine. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 8 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asinine
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 41-year-old is still an elite NBA player, which is still an absurd reality to consider.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • The thesis rests on a claim that would have sounded absurd a year ago.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Every player with a pulse had six suitors throwing silly money around.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Some scenes in the movie are light and silly, including those pairing Maddie with a lesbian friend, played by Kate Berlant, who clearly loves her.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Further, Plato’s disdain for Gorgias, Antisthenes’ first teacher, and sophistry in general is clear; in the Platonic dialogue Gorgias, the titular character is made out to be rather foolish.
    Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • One is villianized and one is made to look foolish.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • For example, Fred Again is absolutely doing insane things with the MPC Lives.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026
  • That dwarfs anything the powerhouse Spain teams did in the early 2010s, when the team was known for stringing together an insane number of passes that led to a goal.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • David and Erica Harrig, Gretna, Nebraska The Harrigs went a little crazy after winning a $61 million Powerball jackpot in 2013.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Even the vegetable averse will go crazy for these green beans made with bacon, crispy Parm, and plenty of garlic.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Along for the ride is his fawning, idiotic buddy Stevie (Steve Little).
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
  • That’s been an idiotic trope for too long — that participating in the business side of it taints you.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Or that Penélope Cruz’s sultry chilliness would jibe with either her male counterparts or Wilde’s diary-of-a-mad-housewife interpretation of a brittle, eager-to-impress woman brimming with creative frustration.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026
  • Are Nationals fans still mad at Bryce Harper for leaving?
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Asinine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asinine. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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