1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
the mayor has chosen to remain dumb about her activities that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
-
While the Trump administration was silent on the details of the document, a New York Times report described it as merely a list of bullet points, not a full draft, citing four officials familiar with the negotiations.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
1 June 2025
-
Proenza Schouler leans toward a silent gesture with its mint green terry dress.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Not just on the training pitch but in the dorm rooms, talking about the future and giggling at stupid jokes.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
President Donald Trump said only stupid people would refuse a $400 million gift.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Sprinkle tops evenly with reserved sugar-flour mixture (about 1 1/2 teaspoons each).—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
-
My ticket was for travel with up to six others in a reserved couchette cabin.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
Moreover, muting moderate voices within the Democratic Party is bad for the state of Illinois.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
-
The Panthers led 1-0, then 2-0, then 3-0 Sunday with a triple-play scores in a span of 6:24 that muted the stunned home crowd.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
And then there’s the quiet stuff—travel, visuals, conversations, even silence.—
Zoya Hasan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Veterans organizations also ask the community participate in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing one minute of silence at 3 p.m. for the military veterans who lost their lives in service, including the 114 residents of Naperville who died while on active duty.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 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
-
Still, even if the growth is slower than in some North American leagues, European teams continue to appreciate.—
Justin Teitelbaum,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
The solution to getting those who may be slower to embrace AI isn’t to push them harder, but to coach them and consider their backgrounds.—
Greg Edwards,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
An all-out self-deprecating ad could be warranted if the goal is to simply raise brand awareness, while a more restrained approach might be needed to avoid distraction if an ad includes technical details about a new product.—
Anton Naianzin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
Plus, How to Use It In Your Home For pattern, using a rug with an oversized, neutral pattern keeps within a restrained palette but still creates visual interest.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share