Definition of brain-deadnext
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brain-dead
Adjective
  • Part of me wants to blame the NFL for making the players walk four miles down that dumb tunnel after they're picked.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Asking dumb questions is always my thing.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing gets Trump angrier than when one of his underlings is caught doing something stupid on videotape.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But to those going to an upcoming show, for the love of God please shut up when Raye is sharing this story; a quiet room isn’t a license to yell stupid nonsense.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • He is limited on passing downs and is more of a slow-burn pocket pusher than a man with a plan.
    Tobias Bass, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In some cases, lenders may cover the costs of buydown for you (either partially or in full), if the market is particularly slow.
    Aly J Yale, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • July 23 – August 22 Clarity today comes from keeping your message simple and grounded.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brain-dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brain-dead. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster