Definition of densenext
1
2
as in thick
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily she accused him of being dense when he didn't seem to understand her at first

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dense are crass, dull, dumb, and stupid. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

When can crass be used instead of dense?

The words crass and dense can be used in similar contexts, but crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When might dull be a better fit than dense?

While the synonyms dull and dense are close in meaning, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When would dumb be a good substitute for dense?

The meanings of dumb and dense largely overlap; however, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When is it sensible to use stupid instead of dense?

The words stupid and dense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary.

stupid students just keeping the seats warm
stupid with drink

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 dense Nestled in the heart of the dense markets is a soccer field named after Bernardo Manolete Hernández, a renowned Mexican soccer player born in the neighborhood. Megan Janetsky, Fortune, 23 June 2026 The overall density of the subdivision would be roughly 4 units per acre, with larger lots on the development’s western side and smaller, denser homes clustered along the development’s east. Rose Evans updated June 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026 This means dense lanes of intervening galactic dust block our view, significantly dimming Terzan 5's apparent brightness. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 22 June 2026 Bright, direct sun or dense shade will damage many varieties, though some—like royal ferns and cinnamon ferns—grow well with direct sunlight. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dense
Adjective
  • The Heat will be looking for spacers to put around Antetokounmpo, who might already be dealing with crowded driving lanes because Bam Adebayo is his new frontcourt partner.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • The nominees for the 2026 ESPYs are out, with New York Knicks hero Jalen Brunson leading a crowded lineup of sports stars for this year’s installment of the award show.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Measuring less than a millimeter thick, this sensor basically acts like a neuron in our brain, processing and keeping the information even after the original signal is gone.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
  • ZDNet Korea also reported that the Wide Fold uses 60μm ultra-thin glass on its inner display, 30% thicker than the 45μm used on the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, while there are presumably less diverting ways to spend close to two hours in a stuffy, packed multiplex, the movie is a preachy, one-note affair.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026
  • Sweden likely booked its ticket to the round of 32 when Anthony Elanga electrified the packed house with a thunderous strike from the area's edge in the 62nd minute.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • What to expect over the weekend Though Friday was expected to be the slowest day of the competition, the atmosphere at Cal Expo was anything but dull.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • Some residents are calling for civilian volunteers to help clear debris, frustrated by the slow pace of the rescue operations.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Contrary to what those face-washing commercials from our childhood led us to believe, your skin doesn't need to feel tight or squeaky-clean after cleansing.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • That was a fantastic finish into a tight window.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • The entire plot to get to the bones seems incredibly dumb.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Best steam cleaners This compact cleaner can easily clean hard-to-reach areas, thanks to its 15-foot cord and 9-foot hose.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
  • This top-selling belt bag is compact yet roomy enough for a wallet, keys, and even a Kindle Paperwhite, according to one five-star reviewer.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dense. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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