as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
all but the most slow-witted readers will have solved the mystery long before they reach the book's final chapter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 slow-witted
Nevertheless, when her quick thinking and speedy writing save the day, even the exaggeratedly slow-witted Victor recognizes her talent.
—
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Soupy is a bit slow-witted, really bony, and awkward-looking.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
Conservative media has since helped amplify the idea that Biden is a slow-witted geezer.
—Clare Malone, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2024
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Soupy is a bit slow-witted, really bony, and awkward-looking.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
Conservative media has since helped amplify the idea that Biden is a slow-witted geezer.
—Clare Malone, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow-witted
Adjective
-
In fact, one of my chief complaints about some contemporary thrillers is the feeling that characters are required to do dumb stuff by the unseen hand of the author, just so more crazy twists can happen.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
-
But Williamson isn’t usually dumb.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Most big comedy shows at the fest had a strict no cellphones policy, Seinfeld was content with just reminding us that our friends are all sick of our stupid cellphone videos.—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
Don’t eat stupid food, don’t do music in the background.—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pool service can be a bit slow during busy times, but once your perfectly prepared daiquiri arrives, all is forgiven.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
So future agreements could involve cooler normalisation, selective security cooperation, quieter diplomacy and a slower expansion.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pantelleria Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a remote volcanic island dotted with traditional dammusi, thick-walled, domed stone dwellings built to keep out the heat.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
Rodriguez Singh appeared behind the thick visitation glass, just feet away, seemingly prepared to talk.—
Doug Dunbar,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
-
However, what really gives these native plants staying power is their easy-care vibe and ability to form a dense, groundcovering mat of foliage and blooms in just a year or two.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slow-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow-witted. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
