NARROW-MINDED Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

narrow-minded

adjective

ˈner-(ˌ)ō-ˈmīn-dəd

Definition of narrow-minded

as in narrow

unwilling to grant other people social rights or to accept other viewpoints it took a while for some of the more narrow-minded members of management to be persuaded to modernize the dress code

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in parochial

not broad or open in views or opinions narrow-minded people who instinctively feared and shunned those from different cultures

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 narrow-minded This wicker man becomes a devoted partner, sparking jealousy and malice in her narrow-minded neighbors, exploring themes of love, cruelty, and societal conformity. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026 However, such an observation is short-sighted and narrow-minded. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026 Anyone proposing to offer a master class on changing the world for the better, without becoming negative, cynical, angry or narrow-minded in the process, could model their advice on the life and work of pioneering animal behavior scholar Jane Goodall. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 Knowledge-wise, science may be advancing, but, politically, its powers of persuasion are in retreat, in a moment defined, in many ways, by ignorance and narrow-minded grievance. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for narrow-minded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrow-minded

Adjective

Despite steady attacks from Iran, oil tankers and other commercial vessels have continued flowing through the narrow waterway.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Acton holds a narrow edge over Republican firebrand Vivek Ramaswamy, while Kaptur is contending with a tough reelection battle after Ohio Republicans redrew the boundaries of the longtime congresswoman’s district to pull in more GOP voters.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Our small island has arguably contributed more in terms of popular music than any other nation, but British driving songs are unavoidably parochial.

— Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
Since 2015, a flurry of cases has decided issues as parochial as how much individual athletes are paid out of broadcast revenues and how long student athletes are eligible to play.

— Sen. Rand Paul OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of parochial

Adjective

The killing, often deliberate, of more than twenty thousand children in Gaza injured consciences, not purses, and consciences could be managed with some ritual censuring of Benjamin Netanyahu or his proudly bigoted colleagues.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Over the five hours that follow, the series tracks what led to the tragedy — specifically, his complicated relationship with his resentful, bigoted next-door neighbor, Clive (David Morrissey).

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of bigoted

Adjective

There’s also a small but well-equipped 24-hour gym, a sauna, steam rooms, and a Jacuzzi area with daybeds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
In a small Idaho town, a young mother is accused of killing her young twins.

— Glenn Thrush Eric Schmitt Liam Stack Tim Balk, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

But Carney’s united front is being tested once more, following separatist Parti Québécois’ (PQ) win in Quebec’s provincial election on Monday.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
New Brunswick’s provincial government has already signed a Letter of Intent to purchase power from the plant.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of provincial

Adjective

Stanley’s co-defendant, unsuccessful county commissioner candidate and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus driver Heather Morrow, was found guilty of the petty offenses and the misdemeanor assault charge.

— Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Letts makes the most of his brief screen time as a manipulator whose petty genius lies in creating an artificial scarcity for his affections.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of petty

Adjective

Law student Gemma Jay (Abbie Hern), recruited by the nonsense-intolerant Coach Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds), also joins the squad.

— Erin Jensen, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
The association naturally angered the intolerant left, including one X user whose response has since gone viral.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of intolerant

Browse Nearby Words

narrowly

narrow-minded

narrow-mindedness

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“Narrow-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrow-minded. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrow-minded

adjective

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