Synonyms of jerky

jerky

adjective

ˈjər-kē 

1

as in rough

marked by a series of sharp quick motions

made jerky progress walking with the new crutches

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rough
• uneven
• choppy
• bumpy
• herky-jerky
• unsteady
• erratic
• spastic
• jouncy
• spasmodic
• irregular
• fitful
• jagged
• ragged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smooth
• steady
• calm
• still
• placid

2

as in stupid

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment

he's acting jerky just to get people's attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stupid
• silly
• foolish
• insane
• crazy
• mad
• absurd
• idiotic
• irrational
• slow
• lunatic
• dumb
• wacky
• nutty
• zany
• simple
• weak
• ridiculous
• daffy
• dippy
• unreasonable
• fool
• nonsensical
• kooky
• sappy
• loony
• wacko
• inept
• asinine
• screwball
• loony tunes
• cuckoo
• senseless
• crackbrained
• fatuous
• unwise
• daft
• harebrained
• preposterous
• simpleminded
• cockeyed
• out to lunch
• brainless
• dotty
• gaga
• crackpot
• unreasoning
• batty
• witless
• half-baked
• fruity
• weak-minded
• balmy
• lunkheaded
• barmy
• half-witted
• thoughtless
• bubbleheaded
• meshuga
• moronic
• featherheaded
• unreasoned
• dense
• dull
• dopey
• illogical
• tomfool
• unintelligent
• opaque
• clueless
• obtuse
• brain-dead
• invalid
• oafish
• vacuous
• doltish
• dim
• soft
• mindless
• thickheaded
• imbecile
• pinheaded
• thick
• dunderheaded
• lamebrain
• dorky
• softheaded
• feebleminded
• fallacious
• nonrational
• empty-headed
• ludicrous
• dim-witted
• gormless
• laughable
• farcical
• unsound
• surd
• knuckleheaded
• slow-witted
• clownish
• airheaded
• chuckleheaded
• boobish
• chowderheaded
• buffoonish
• ill-advised
• birdbrained
• unconsidered
• notional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sound
• wise
• sensible
• judicious
• sane
• prudent
• intelligent
• reasonable
• clever
• smart
• bright
• valid
• logical
• sagacious
• sage
• sapient
• rational
• brainy
• well-advised

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of jerky

And when the driver knows how to accelerate, lane-change and brake smoothly, without any jerky movements or pitching—like our driver, then the transfer is that much more pleasant. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2026

Charlie, Rachel and Mike’s confessions range between youthfully jerky to downright repugnant. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

The jerky company Slim Jim has commented on many Fruit Love Island videos. — Kat Tenbarge, Wired News, 25 Mar. 2026

Mid-level roles included a deli/food service associate responsible for preparing Buc-ee's signature barbecue, baked goods, jerky, fudge and sandwiches, and a store bookkeeper managing daily accounting and cash reconciliation. — Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026