1
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
a teacher who affirms that there are no brainless students, only lazy ones
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stupid
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
a brainless decision to talk on her cell phone while weaving in and out of traffic
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brainless
This extends well beyond the 2025 Bombers, their signature head-scratching and somewhat brainless play on the field has plagued them dating back to 2021.
—
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
There's really no way to prep for the show — basically, just don't be brainless.
—Lindsay Soll, EW.com, 25 July 2025
The O’Haras happen to move in next door to him.
Frothy and often filthy without being brainless (send thanks across the Atlantic for that good British dialogue), this is escapism done right.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
So, what can the neuronal activity of a tiny, brainless creature possibly tell us about the evolution of our own complex brains?
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 15 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for brainless
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
There's really no way to prep for the show — basically, just don't be brainless.
—Lindsay Soll, EW.com, 25 July 2025
The O’Haras happen to move in next door to him.
Frothy and often filthy without being brainless (send thanks across the Atlantic for that good British dialogue), this is escapism done right.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
So, what can the neuronal activity of a tiny, brainless creature possibly tell us about the evolution of our own complex brains?
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 15 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for brainless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brainless
Adjective
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These dumb little kids were freaking bored.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
-
The series will now be hosted by British comedian Jack Whitehall and the network has lined up a phalanx of celebrities aiming not to be the dumbest in the country.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Most big comedy shows at the fest had a strict no cellphones policy, Seinfeld was content with just reminding us that our friends are all sick of our stupid cellphone videos.—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
Don’t eat stupid food, don’t do music in the background.—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
But so far, progress has been slow — if not nonexistent.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Russia’s bigger and better-equipped army has been engaged in a slow, hard slog in Ukraine.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Let’s face it, life is full of foolish decisions.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
Trump previously said his administration would have been foolish not to accept it.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Otherwise, those bobbleheads will look a little silly.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
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If that strikes you as twee or downright silly, Olivia Newman‘s touchy-feely weepie is not on your wavelength.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The slain hikers were among 20 who set out to ascend the 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano in defiance of safety restrictions and became stranded when Dukono erupted early Friday, spewing a thick ash column that rose about 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the air.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
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The dead were among 20 hikers who set out to ascend the 4,445-foot volcano in defiance of safety restrictions and became stranded when Dukono erupted early Friday, spewing a thick ash column that rose about 6 miles into the air.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
In any other historical period, proposing such a career trajectory would’ve seemed mildly insane — like if Peter Buck had followed up Fables of the Reconstruction by producing Whitney Houston instead of the Feelies.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
-
For so much of the season, Rachel is low-key stoned, which can keep her at a remove, even when things are getting really insane.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brainless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brainless. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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