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
  • The pyrotechnics, however, come from Amanda and Danielle, who get in one of those stupid fights that are only possible after a full day of drinking in a retro vehicle.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026
  • Yes, Ken really is this stupid.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Soon my entire feed was pugs and poodles and beagles and portmanteau blends with absurd names like golden doodle and cavapoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Produced by Heavy Lifting Productions in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Knighted follows a missing person’s case that spirals into an absurd documentary-style exploration of the sinister secrets lurking beneath the enchanting pageantry of a local medieval dinner theatre.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • From Valentino pig hoofs to Chanel half-sandals, our feeds are full of silly, outrageous and outright ugly footwear.
    Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 12 June 2026
  • This 22-inch hopping ball has a silly face on it, available in blue or orange.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • It’s presented without winks or nudges, neither as a joke nor necessarily foolish.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • If the target was foolish enough to reuse passwords, credential thefts like these could enable the compromise of more important accounts.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s an insane thing to believe.
    Holly Gleason, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • And ultimately, the premise of the show is insane horror tropes are happening to boring, normal people.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her doggedness, maybe her righteousness too, a fierce myopic focus and will, and a crazy confidence that in the end, both have nothing to lose.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
  • Matt Justice went to crazy lengths to try to beat Josh Bishop in a street fight.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 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
  • Also keep in mind that blasting noise through your AirPods or speakers may drown out some very important other sounds — like approaching wildlife or mad rattlesnakes.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
  • To go and do Nicolas Winding Refn film, or just the really fun, mad thing.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Asinine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asinine. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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