GORMLESS Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

gormless

adjective

ˈgȯrm-ləs

chiefly British

as in dumb

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily a comedy show that invariably portrays the British aristocracy as a bunch of gormless twits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 gormless There are worse things than watching Black, Rudd, and Zahn play three gormless morons on a mid-life misadventure, but almost every scene and setpiece is constructed with a haphazardness that blunders away their charm. —

David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2025 Ustinov hired him, though, as Stamp had unwittingly replicated Billy Budd’s gormless behavior. —

Rhett Bartlett, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2025 There’s some droll humor in this pileup of bad decisions and bad behavior — particularly in one running gag that sees Carey doggedly befriending Ashley’s parade of exes, including one hilariously gormless f-boy played by drawling ensemble standout Charlie Gillespie. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2025 Much like bad prose, his gormless suits draw far too much attention to themselves. —

Hazlitt, 19 Dec. 2024 Much of the movie unfolds inside the suburban Connecticut mansion where Lily lives with her gormless mother (Francie Swift) and her loathsome stepdad. —

Justin Chang, latimes.com, 8 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gormless

Adjective

Before, Tatum had only thought of himself as a dumb jock on the football team.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2026
Hustling up the twisty Route 33 in California’s Ojai Valley, the C-HR felt responsive, but the lateral pitching at speed, coupled with a 4,300-pound curb weight, discourages you from carrying a dumb pace into corners.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026