STUPID Synonyms: 459 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stupid 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstü-pəd

Definition of stupid next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in foolish

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment not liking the captain is a stupid reason to quit the team

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stupid

2 of 2

noun

as in idiot

a stupid person a genius at math, but a total stupid when it came to his love life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Nothing gets Trump angrier than when one of his underlings is caught doing something stupid on videotape. —

Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 But to those going to an upcoming show, for the love of God please shut up when Raye is sharing this story; a quiet room isn’t a license to yell stupid nonsense. —

Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 27 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

These dumb little kids were freaking bored.

— Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
The series will now be hosted by British comedian Jack Whitehall and the network has lined up a phalanx of celebrities aiming not to be the dumbest in the country.

— Peter White, Deadline, 7 May 2026

Definition of dumb

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stupes

stupid

stupidities

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Style

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of stupid

adjective

noun

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