stupid 1 of 2

Definition of stupidnext
1
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily we watched as the stupid squirrels tried unsuccessfully to find a way to get the seeds from the new bird feeder there are no stupid questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest I can't believe we sat through the whole stupid movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

stupid

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stupid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stupid are crass, dense, dull, and dumb. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary.

stupid students just keeping the seats warm
stupid with drink

When is it sensible to use crass instead of stupid?

The words crass and stupid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When can dense be used instead of stupid?

Although the words dense and stupid have much in common, dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

When is dull a more appropriate choice than stupid?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupid, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

In what contexts can dumb take the place of stupid?

In some situations, the words dumb and stupid are roughly equivalent. However, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

How does the adjective stupid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stupid are crass, dense, dull, and dumb. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary.

stupid students just keeping the seats warm
stupid with drink

When is it sensible to use crass instead of stupid?

The words crass and stupid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When can dense be used instead of stupid?

Although the words dense and stupid have much in common, dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

When is dull a more appropriate choice than stupid?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupid, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

In what contexts can dumb take the place of stupid?

In some situations, the words dumb and stupid are roughly equivalent. However, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

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 stupid
Adjective
And then the second one is grassroots and bottom up and the local solutions to this thing that is a stupid business model. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2026 Allowing one nine years of eligibility is just stupid. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
There is nothing in the past year that suggests that the portion of this global event that will take place in the U.S. will proceed with anything less than exhausting chaos, a spoonful of stupid, and a dash of tragedy. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026 So, the parallel thing that I’ve been frustrated by recently is not just calling Trump stupid, but calling Trump voters stupid. Drew Broussard may 22, Literary Hub, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupid
Adjective
  • Part of me wants to blame the NFL for making the players walk four miles down that dumb tunnel after they're picked.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Asking dumb questions is always my thing.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And given all of the drama leading into the event, pretty good marks and a relatively boring draft add up to a win.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • As an interactive greeter, Melody shows how smart AI can turn boring service kiosks into friendly, lifelike conversations.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Until recently, history has largely recognized this foolish law as a New Deal mistake.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Little purple blossoms appearing on my lawn mean my jacaranda tree will soon be in bloom, leaving its sticky remnants all over the sidewalk, lawn and anyone foolish enough to park underneath it.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • He is limited on passing downs and is more of a slow-burn pocket pusher than a man with a plan.
    Tobias Bass, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In some cases, lenders may cover the costs of buydown for you (either partially or in full), if the market is particularly slow.
    Aly J Yale, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flimsy nozzles crack and leak, and heavy-duty nozzles get tiring to hold when your garden calls for more watering time than your hands can handle.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Swift herself talked about how tiring the tour was and what her plans for the future were last October on BBC Radio 1 with Greg James.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The manic, madcap, chaotic and silly stunt show was heavy on exposition to the delight of the fans who cheered the entrance of every One Piece character and laughed at the downfall of paper-thin goon.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • And so a very silly conversation leads to a series of positions that are far from frivolous.
    Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lluís then calls Puig Antich a moron.
    Colm Tóibín, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
  • This drunk moron — quite different from his character in the novel — bears a ton of blame.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
  • This translates to the Gap cardigan sweater and the Levi’s shorts paired with the flats for a simple, slightly elevated look that feels comfortable.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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