as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
kept getting typecast as the hero's dorky sidekick
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Recent Examples of dorky
Some are kind of dorky; others are raunchy.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Just this dorky kid that wanted to hide.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
The dorky, ScreenLife-adjacent technology introduced into the movie (which also includes oversized and dramatically embossed text messages emblazoned across the screen that evoke more sophisticated Word Art) is a little narratively clunky and contrived.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
While those early performances cemented his status as the typical dorky average-Joe teen, Hall evolved into a versatile actor who has played heroes, villains, and everything in between.
—Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dorky
Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Just this dorky kid that wanted to hide.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
The dorky, ScreenLife-adjacent technology introduced into the movie (which also includes oversized and dramatically embossed text messages emblazoned across the screen that evoke more sophisticated Word Art) is a little narratively clunky and contrived.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
While those early performances cemented his status as the typical dorky average-Joe teen, Hall evolved into a versatile actor who has played heroes, villains, and everything in between.
—Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dorky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dorky
Adjective
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Napier got a one-year honeymoon until a Week 1 loss at Utah in 2023, the year when the Gators committed a silly amount of dumb penalties (including the original instance of two guys wearing the same jersey).—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
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The reigning Super Bowl champs better hope that’s the dumbest thing that one of their players does this season.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And when Sam cooks up a truly stupid scheme to make some quick cash, there’s little doubt a heavy like Mickey isn’t going to like it.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
12 Sep. 2025
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There's a fine line between stupid and clever, indeed.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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During the prelims in Tokyo, Seville had a concerning slow reaction to the starting gun.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Parisian servers may have an undeserved reputation for being slow, but instead of complaining or searching for faster service elsewhere, settle in with a book or newspaper.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Their simple plan goes awry when one of their relatives wants a posh Korean wedding banquet in the heartfelt romantic comedy.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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The inspiration The Copleys wanted a low-water garden that would be simple to care for.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The polished sateen set boasts a thick border in six color combinations to wake up a bedroom.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
10 Sep. 2025
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To serve, top with thick, creamy Greek yogurt and vibrant fruits of choice, like raspberries, mangoes and blueberries.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dorky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dorky. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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