as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
kept getting typecast as the hero's dorky sidekick
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Recent Examples of dorky
Still, the actors are game, and that’s half the battle — even though the film’s positing Miles Teller as the dorky beta to Callum Turner’s hunky alpha is somewhat undone by the fact that the two actors don’t look all that different from each other.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2025
Despite the efforts of avid players, The Dude, and assorted poets, bowling in America still ends up with a broadly dorky reputation.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2025
Geek Squad Not too long ago, the analytics department was the domain of the dorky nerds of the NFL.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Phoenix is cast against type as the dorky kid.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dorky
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2025
Despite the efforts of avid players, The Dude, and assorted poets, bowling in America still ends up with a broadly dorky reputation.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2025
Geek Squad Not too long ago, the analytics department was the domain of the dorky nerds of the NFL.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Phoenix is cast against type as the dorky kid.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dorky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dorky
Adjective
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As my colleague Zach Harper expertly pointed out Wednesday, the rule itself — mandating that any player eligible for a postseason award must play 65 games in a season — looks pretty dumb right now.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Looking back on his 27 years with the bank, Gentry said the timing, loopholes, tax strategies and negotiations that gave the business its acquisitive edge were not because of dumb luck.—
Chase Jordan
April 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
Cite this Entry
“Dorky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dorky. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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