as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
it seems like she's always doing some brain-dead thing or another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 brain-dead
The vast majority of organ donations once came from people who were brain-dead.
—
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
He was reportedly revived at a hospital but was declared brain-dead and removed from life support.
—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
10 Dec. 2025
As good fortune, karma or just a brain-dead decision would have it, Eagles punt returner Xavier Gipson decided returning a punt from his own 2-yard line was a great idea.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Nov. 2025
Looked at one way, this is just another example of how brain-dead partisanship is ruining our civic life.
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brain-dead
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
He was reportedly revived at a hospital but was declared brain-dead and removed from life support.
—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
10 Dec. 2025
As good fortune, karma or just a brain-dead decision would have it, Eagles punt returner Xavier Gipson decided returning a punt from his own 2-yard line was a great idea.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Nov. 2025
Looked at one way, this is just another example of how brain-dead partisanship is ruining our civic life.
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brain-dead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brain-dead
Adjective
-
Not all blondes are dumb, don’t judge a book by its cover, yada yada yada, lo and behold, Reese Witherspoon is a certified movie star.
-
Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
Adjective
-
But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
-
White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
Adjective
-
What to expect over the weekend Though Friday was expected to be the slowest day of the competition, the atmosphere at Cal Expo was anything but dull.
-
Some residents are calling for civilian volunteers to help clear debris, frustrated by the slow pace of the rescue operations.
Adjective
-
As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
-
Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
Cite this Entry
“Brain-dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brain-dead. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
