dumb 1 of 2

1
as in stupid
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

dumb

2 of 2

verb

as in to mute
to stop the noise or speech of the terrible news dumbed her for a long moment, and then she burst into tears

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 dumb
Adjective
Jimmy Kimmel said something dumb. Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 God, this is such a dumb story. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
Are Rory and Cobby dumb enough to believe that Mr. Besegai’s goons (including Paul Walter Hauser) were dispatched to help them rather than to tie up loose ends? David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2024 This includes throwing out 31 of 47 runners dumb enough to run on him in 2022. James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for dumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb
Adjective
  • The real star of this episode, however, was Gretchen Christine Beauté and her stupid Lara Croft outfit.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Among the colorful cast of rogues, villains, queens and clergymen, Andre The Giant stands out as the young suitor’s kind-hearted but stupid brute.
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Carefully sprinkle some of the reserved walnut mixture over dough balls; gently press in with the back of a spoon (be careful not to flatten).
    Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Vista’s Chad Baker and his among those who paid a slight parking premium for the privilege of the reserved spot.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Vibrant oranges, milky mints, bright blues, and muted peaches from the album cover mingle well with golds and silvers, high-shine gloss, glitter, ombré, and aura fades.
    Abby Dupes, Allure, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Heat and drought are bad combinations for trees, putting stress that could mute autumn colors.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The slow start that Mayfield is alluding to has to do with the Buccaneers only scoring two field goals through the first half, and scoring their first touchdown well into the third quarter.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Construction in the section of Jackson Park, often described as Chicago’s equivalent of Central Park, has been slow.
    Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Will the new brokers and wielders of power be more prudent and restrained?
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • While the costumery was slightly more restrained than, say, a Met Gala, at the same time there was a back-to-school festival feel to the outfits.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Booing begins, and then shushing, and then booing again.
    Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Jena asked, for which she was shushed), that was spotted and strong enough to kill a man.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t pull over in the roundabout Roundabouts with a single lane of traffic in each direction are fairly simple – yield to traffic in the roundabout, wait for a gap in traffic and go through, Bryson said.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • This can be as simple as bodyweight movements, resistance bands or dumbbells, focusing on compound/functional movements like squats, pushes and pulls.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While the controversy had far from quieted by airtime, Kimmel had his parents in the audience to cheer him on.
    Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The victory featured a standout effort from quarterback Caleb Williams, who may have quieted his critics for at least a week.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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