as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
a knuckleheaded attempt to increase efficiency that only succeeded in making things worse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckleheaded
Adjective
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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
Adjective
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But maybe Johnson isn’t stupid.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Even in contemporary political and intellectual discourse, there remains an attachment to a particular stupid southern conservatism, the ideocratic confederacy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But that boost also didn’t last long – 2025 was marked mostly by Russia’s slow, grinding offensive along the 1,200-kilometer-long frontline.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Implementing peace deals is notoriously difficult, so slow progress can be expected.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That simple sentiment distills what being a Louisianan is about.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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No doubt history would be very different if a citizen’s duty was simple obeyance.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Alternatively, the far side has a thick crust, higher elevations and far fewer signs of previous volcanic activity, Andrews-Hanna said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Keranique formulas combine strengthening proteins, scalp-nourishing ingredients and lightweight volumizing technology to support thicker, fuller-looking hair for women of every age, and instantly boost the appearance of density, without weighing hair down.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Knuckleheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckleheaded. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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