1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
the mayor has chosen to remain dumb about her activities that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)
he prefers to remain dumb, and replies in monosyllables if really pressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in silence
incapacity for or restraint from speaking
the determined dumbness of the accountants who tally the votes for the Academy Awards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stupidness
the quality or state of lacking intelligence or quickness of mind
couldn't believe the dumbness of the people who fell for that scam
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumb
Dan Kelly, kansascity.com, 6 June 2017
Some Dumb American, for giving me the opportunity — and for demonstrating what doing it badly looks like.
—Lily Meade, Teen Vogue, 6 July 2017
Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022
M3GAN kills people, but our gal is not about to dumb herself down for Ken.
—Mattie Kahn, Town & Country, 14 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumb
Adjective
Pete Townshend wrote the music and the lyrics for the inspiring story of the deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball.
—Dan Kelly, kansascity.com, 6 June 2017
Some Dumb American, for giving me the opportunity — and for demonstrating what doing it badly looks like.
—Lily Meade, Teen Vogue, 6 July 2017
Verb
Don’t dumb the game down.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022
M3GAN kills people, but our gal is not about to dumb herself down for Ken.
—Mattie Kahn, Town & Country, 14 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb
Adjective
-
Even more telling, there was virtually no difference in data consumption, battery use, and background activity between the audio room tests and the silent room tests.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The trick now is knowing where to go and which Muay Thai boxing schools, silent monasteries, or health spas to choose.—
Lee Cobaj,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Making stupid internet fodder has never been easier than now, with the prevalence of AI image generators making everything from deepfakes to memes.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Much like the stupid prions wreaking havoc in his brain.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, the same words are used to describe him: quiet, reserved, introverted.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
The ultra-private first lady's public wardrobe ranges from more muted looks, that match her reserved personality, to punchy statement pieces that better fit her husband's Truth Social feed.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Canadiens at that point had not generated a whole lot offensively, the game appeared on the verge of tilting in the Capitals’ favor, and the Bell Centre crowd had been somewhat muted — or at least a bit less of a factor.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
So the response at a recent energy security conference to U.S. energy policies was muted yet pointed.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After the closing notes, silence reigned as Jamal slowly got up from his stool.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
For Jones, whose directorial debut could have died in that moment, the silence was unthinkable.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
10 Aug. 2023
-
Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
The non-violent struggle for freedom is a slow but steady process.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
The facade was one of drama but for Preston, the reality has been a slow, weary decline.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Its packaging is understated and classic—an elegant glass bottle with restrained branding, reflecting the confidence of a product that doesn't need to shout to be noticed.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The restrained horror of Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham, which had an extended, shiver-inducing sequence set in Jallianwala Bagh, has no place here.—
Anupama Chopra,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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