Thesaurus

silly

Q: How is the word 'silly' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of silly are asinine , fatuous , foolish , and simple . While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior. // the silly antics of revelers

Q: In what contexts can 'asinine' take the place of 'silly'?

In some situations, the words asinine and silly are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception. // an asinine plot

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fatuous' instead of 'silly'?

Although the words fatuous and silly have much in common, fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality. // fatuous conspiracy theories

Q: When could 'foolish' be used to replace 'silly'?

The words foolish and silly can be used in similar contexts, but foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense. // foolish stunts

Q: When would 'simple' be a good substitute for 'silly'?

The words simple and silly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort. // considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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Synonyms & Antonyms of silly

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 lacking in seriousness or maturity

the matinee show was filled with a bunch of silly children making noise

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Antonyms for silly

2 showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment

those silly movie producers who thought that audiences would fall for that gimmick all over again

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notional

Phrases Synonymous with silly

out to lunch

Near Antonyms for silly

well-advised

Antonyms for silly

3 so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter

had the silly notion that her latest marriage might last longer than her three previous ones

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Phrases Synonymous with silly

for the birds

Near Antonyms for silly

4 suffering from mental confusion

stunning news that knocked me silly

Synonyms for silly

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Antonyms for silly

clearheaded

silly

noun

Synonyms of silly (Entry 2 of 2)

as in fool, goose

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for silly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for silly

sobersides

Frequently Asked Questions About silly

How is the word silly different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of silly are asinine, fatuous, foolish, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

In what contexts can asinine take the place of silly?

In some situations, the words asinine and silly are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When is it sensible to use fatuous instead of silly?

Although the words fatuous and silly have much in common, fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When could foolish be used to replace silly?

The words foolish and silly can be used in similar contexts, but foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When would simple be a good substitute for silly?

The words simple and silly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers