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

The broad straps offset the lower neckline, which scoops at its narrowest point for a softer look, rather than forming a harsh line.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Plans with lower monthly costs often have narrower networks of doctors and hospitals, and less generous drug coverage.

— Renuka Rayasam, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Many children in Florida attending private, parochial or homeschool programs do not take the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, or FAST, test, which is used by Florida’s public school districts to measure students’ achievement.

— Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
They are hired hands and stewards of other people’s capital, with no desire to becoming embroiled in internecine squabbles between clashing advocates, parochial activists, and plain opportunists latching on to the moment.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

Definition of parochial

Adjective

Others warned that Emmer’s comments and the growing animosity towards Somali- and Muslim-American communities marked a regression to a more bigoted era in the United States.

— Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
That means that, every once in a while, when someone is saying bigoted things or acting aggressively around other customers, they get kicked out.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

Definition of bigoted

Adjective

In contrast, instruments on the FireSat satellites will be able to detect small brush and roadside fires 16 feet across.

— Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.

— Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

The port city has been targeted before, most recently yesterday when the semi-official Fars News Agency reported the provincial government saying a projectile hit the western part of Bandar Abbas.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
In June, the provincial government of Anhui published an action plan to fast-track BCI development across research, production and industrialization.

— Elaine Yu, CNBC, 11 July 2026

Definition of provincial

Adjective

The Greek myths are rife with petty and meddlesome deities squabbling, playing favorites, punishing harshly, and otherwise wreaking havoc on the lives of mortal men.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
In each social-commentary-teetering-on-horror episode, Nanno is a pupil at a different school, picture perfect and scanning the room for whatever secrets — an abusive teacher, an absurd hierarchical system, petty jealousy — demand to be revealed.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of petty

Adjective

Meanwhile, the word on Grand Illusion was getting out beyond the insular arthouse crowd.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Edelman shared the data this week at his firm’s annual Trust Summit in New York, where the question on every leader’s mind was how to build trust in an increasingly insular world.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 July 2026

Definition of insular

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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 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of narrow-minded

adjective

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