Thesaurus

dumb

Q: How does the adjective 'dumb' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dumb are crass , dense , dull , and stupid . While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension. // too dumb to figure out what's going on

Q: When would 'crass' be a good substitute for 'dumb'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dumb , crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy. // a crass , materialistic people

Q: Where would 'dense' be a reasonable alternative to 'dumb'?

The synonyms dense and dumb are sometimes interchangeable, but dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas. // too dense to take a hint

Q: In what contexts can 'dull' take the place of 'dumb'?

Although the words dull and dumb have much in common, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock. // monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

Q: When is 'stupid' a more appropriate choice than 'dumb'?

While the synonyms stupid and dumb are close in meaning, 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of dumb

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 deliberately refraining from speech

the mayor has chosen to remain dumb about her activities that night

Synonyms for dumb

Words Related to dumb

nonvocal,
voiceless

dumbstruck

Near Antonyms for dumb

Antonyms for dumb

2 not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily

don't call him dumb just because he makes the occasional mistake like the rest of us

Synonyms for dumb

Words Related to dumb

Near Antonyms for dumb

Antonyms for dumb

3 tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)

he prefers to remain dumb, and replies in monosyllables if really pressed

Synonyms for dumb

Words Related to dumb

Near Antonyms for dumb

Antonyms for dumb

dumb

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of dumb (Entry 2 of 2)

to stop the noise or speech of

the terrible news dumbed her for a long moment, and then she burst into tears

Synonyms for dumb

extinguish,
hush,
mute,
quell,
quiet,
quieten
[chiefly British],
settle,
shush,
shut up,
silence,
squelch,
still

Near Antonyms for dumb

agitate,
stir

Frequently Asked Questions About dumb

How does the adjective dumb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dumb are crass, dense, dull, and stupid. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When would crass be a good substitute for dumb?

While in some cases nearly identical to dumb, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

Where would dense be a reasonable alternative to dumb?

The synonyms dense and dumb are sometimes interchangeable, but dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

In what contexts can dull take the place of dumb?

Although the words dull and dumb have much in common, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When is stupid a more appropriate choice than dumb?

While the synonyms stupid and dumb are close in meaning, 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

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