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
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
He was delivered by Caesarian section because a donor heart became available from a brain-dead baby in Canada.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Doctors later told the family that Samuel is brain-dead and remains unresponsive.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
A week later, he was taken to surgery to have his organs removed for donation — even though his heart was beating and he hadn’t been declared brain-dead, Zohny said.
—Cara Anthony, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brain-dead
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Nov. 2025
He was delivered by Caesarian section because a donor heart became available from a brain-dead baby in Canada.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Doctors later told the family that Samuel is brain-dead and remains unresponsive.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
A week later, he was taken to surgery to have his organs removed for donation — even though his heart was beating and he hadn’t been declared brain-dead, Zohny said.
—Cara Anthony, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brain-dead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brain-dead
Adjective
-
As my colleague Zach Harper expertly pointed out Wednesday, the rule itself — mandating that any player eligible for a postseason award must play 65 games in a season — looks pretty dumb right now.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Looking back on his 27 years with the bank, Gentry said the timing, loopholes, tax strategies and negotiations that gave the business its acquisitive edge were not because of dumb luck.—
Chase Jordan
April 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That, and [making] stupid pictures of my friends.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
-
But most players aren’t stupid.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Or maybe this was a slow roll, meant to culminate with the two All-Stars crescendoing into the playoff push.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Feed Forever Goldy® Arborvitae annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Styles for men and women are available -- all with Allbirds design philosophy that's clean, modern and perfectly simple -- lightweight, bouncy and wildly comfortable.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
On April 18, that reverence will look like music, laughter and a line of people waiting for something hot out of the fryer — a simple plate carrying stories from across the world, all landing in one place.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brain-dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brain-dead. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
