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
More journalism, less dumb low-hanging fruit, in other words. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin disagreed with the decision, calling it dumb. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 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
  • And when Sam cooks up a truly stupid scheme to make some quick cash, there’s little doubt a heavy like Mickey isn’t going to like it.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
  • There's a fine line between stupid and clever, indeed.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Reservations include a reserved seat and access to the full menu.
    Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Vigorously stir the noodles for a minute, adding some reserved cooking water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Criticism of Israel has been muted within the Republican Party, tracking with surveys that show broad approval of Israel’s military operation among GOP voters.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The tradition muted palette gets a graphic update courtesy of pops of color informed by school pennants, an LV monogram tartan, as well as on theme embroideries and crests that extend to small accessories in the form of what are sure to be covetable caps, scarves, and ties.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • During the prelims in Tokyo, Seville had a concerning slow reaction to the starting gun.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Parisian servers may have an undeserved reputation for being slow, but instead of complaining or searching for faster service elsewhere, settle in with a book or newspaper.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Climate scientists have long been vexed by the disconnect between the dire warnings blared by their models and the restrained policies enacted by world leaders.
    Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • There is nothing restrained about the family room, with brick walls that feature a bright splash of chartreuse (Benjamin Moore’s Wasabi, AF-430).
    Jeanne Lyons Davis, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 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
  • Their simple plan goes awry when one of their relatives wants a posh Korean wedding banquet in the heartfelt romantic comedy.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The inspiration The Copleys wanted a low-water garden that would be simple to care for.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But even as new tools and strategies emerge to quiet the seas, the legal foundation that has long safeguarded marine life is under pressure.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The researchers suggest that therapy and targeted coaching, including interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, could help people quiet their inner critics.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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