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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
No one wants to feel lesser than, certainly not dumber than. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025 See video … JEANINE PIRRO – 'Defund the Police' movement is the 'dumbest' thing Dems have ever said. FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 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
  • Jess: The curds themselves are crispy, but the toast is stupid.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The delegate should be embarrassed to introduce such a stupid idea.
    Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Kuechly is naturally a bit more cerebral, a bit more reserved, yet very much the imposer on the field.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Heming says the first symptom was Willis getting more reserved.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Echo chambers can emerge, amplifying consensus while muting dissenting expertise.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Initial responses to test screenings had been muted, and the movie wasn’t predicted to be much of a success.
    Nick Foster August 26, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Parkinson’s disease primarily affects the nervous system, particularly the brain, causing tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Alex Bowman falls three laps down after a slow pit stop.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Griffin Dunne, Carol Kane, Liev Schreiber, Bad Bunny, Regina King, Vincent D’Onofrio, and more (plus a murderer’s row of recognizable NYC voices) all add the kind of sparkle that Butler’s more restrained (and often quite compelling) performance can’t quite allow for.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Medium-full, with excellent ripeness, very good acidity, restrained wood notes and impressive persistence; the finish displays notes of green herbs and wet stone.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Jena asked, for which she was shushed), that was spotted and strong enough to kill a man.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025
  • In the background of the video, the 35-year-old could be heard mumbling offscreen before Megan playfully shushed him.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Business managers must make decisions ranging from simple tasks, such as ordering office supplies, to more complex matters like company layoffs.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • What fans see under the lights, however, wouldn’t look so simple without Zdon’s expansive amount of work behind the scenes.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the run game, starting running back Javonte Williams quieted durability concerns with a healthy effort that included two rushing touchdowns on the first two drives.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns motions to quiet the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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