as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
a product with a warning label that even the most boneheaded consumer should be able to understand
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Recent Examples of boneheaded
As anyone who watches nineties-era romantic comedies knows, there’s a fine line between charming overtures and boneheaded actions that result in deep psychological wounds.
—
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
Defensively, he has been known for making exceptional plays but also making boneheaded mistakes.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Why sane people don’t run for office, a boneheaded move from an Arizona lawmaker and fallout from a Minnesota shooting.
—Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
But despite the intelligence upgrade, some have spotted the AI model still making boneheaded mistakes.
—PC Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
Unfortunately for Leslie, Gary is terrible at poker, and his boneheaded bet during the relationship test leaves them in the bottom three.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
Defensively, he has been known for making exceptional plays but also making boneheaded mistakes.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Why sane people don’t run for office, a boneheaded move from an Arizona lawmaker and fallout from a Minnesota shooting.
—Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
But despite the intelligence upgrade, some have spotted the AI model still making boneheaded mistakes.
—PC Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
Unfortunately for Leslie, Gary is terrible at poker, and his boneheaded bet during the relationship test leaves them in the bottom three.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boneheaded
Adjective
-
And Lorenzen delivering this stink bomb made the 48,366 in attendance feel as dumb as rocks for braving the cold.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Well, dumber isn’t quite right — and is only meant affectionately by Grabinski himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That, and [making] stupid pictures of my friends.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
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But most players aren’t stupid.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Feed Forever Goldy® Arborvitae annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Dandelion seeds easily take hold in bare spots, so keep your lawn thick and healthy.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
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In addition to a thick webbed strap that's adjustable, the bag features two exterior zippered pockets with RFID-blocking technology to protect important travel essentials like cell phones, hotel room keys, passports, and credit cards.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Do me a favor, call up that agent that was foolish enough to shoehorn you into this business and this show and tell him to lower the ticket prices.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Arsenal would be foolish to write off a player in this kind of form, with this kind of confidence, and gripped by the kind of never-say-die attitude that has characterised a dramatic career.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Boneheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boneheaded. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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