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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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 silly
Adjective
Final Reckoning lurches further into self-seriousness, which doesn’t sit well on a plot as maddeningly convoluted and, well, silly as this one. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 Many kids find repeating these phrases satisfying, or silly, or just plain fun to say, Estevez says. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 12 May 2025
Noun
It was shot in portrait because it was shot in Instagram by and for a woman who was losing her mind in quarantine and had fully let the sillies take the wheel. Ego Nwodim, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025 Some more sillies from last night’s GRAMMY nominees reception. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silly
Adjective
  • In one, Donald wears a Pride shirt and a goofy grin outside of the Airport Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
  • At first, Austin either doesn't notice or doesn't care how maladroit Craig is, and that challenges us to see him in a similar light, as a sweet but goofy guy who just doesn't know how to buy pants that fit right.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Not just on the training pitch but in the dorm rooms, talking about the future and giggling at stupid jokes.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump said only stupid people would refuse a $400 million gift.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Supreme Court justice calls it 'ridiculous' Trump cuts reach climate scientists who labored for free Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Scott Maxwell: The idea of Pam Bondi – who was dogged by ethics scandals in Florida and worked as a lobbyist for Qatar – serving as an ethics advisor on whether Donald Trump should accept a free plane from Qatar is ridiculous.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The actor—who is also currently filming season three of Euphoria—took the time to walk the wide-eyed and probably quite bewildered pup around the carpeted front of the hotel, and looked chic doing it.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 May 2025
  • Heyman then handed the chair to a bewildered Roman Reigns, who used it to strike downed CM Punk.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Gamble, seeing there was no way to get anywhere with the chancellor playing the simpleton, opened the floor to softball questions.
    Thomas Meaney, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
  • Americans, even or especially historians, tend to treat the early New Englanders as dogmatists: narrow, pious simpletons.
    Marilynne Robinson, Harper's Magazine, 1 July 2022
Adjective
  • The movie stars Shia LaBeouf, Patricia Arquette, and Sigourney Weaver, with Sachar maintaining the book's penchant for surprise, suspense, and giddy momentum.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025
  • Disney’s strong quarterly results and full-year guidance raise has analysts giddy at the media giant’s prospects.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • And this is not a story of corporate greed run amok, because Walmart would be foolish to try to gouge its customers at a time when economic anxiety is high (more on that in a moment).
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
  • Peters said the training from Wayne State's Institute of Gerontology has helped credit union employees to better frame probing questions that will get a positive response without making members feel foolish.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The biggest change, however, has been in fly ball frequency - his fly ball rate is now an absurd 50.0%, higher than any 2024 MLB regular.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • What else can be said about Judge’s absurd start to this season?
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Silly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silly. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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