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

Relevance

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

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
Protecting his naive and stupid friend. Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 18 Jan. 2026 That’s how stupid Michael Rapaport is. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
An underrated gem — not enough people have seen this top-tier season — Squirrels Trip has some fabulous vocals, very funny lyrics, a heavy dose of stupid, and an engaging story. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 People can be high achievers and still knee-walking stupid. Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 29 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for stupid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupid
Adjective
  • Okay, there's trying something new and then there's just being dumb.
    Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Why portray Dorothy as a doe-eyed ding-a-ling; as not just naive but dumb?
    Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some skyscrapers are quite uniform and rather boring.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Writing that’s as boring as your dullest relative was likely written by a chatbot that can’t see, hear, taste, smell, touch — or feel.
    Karen Stabiner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Each residence is just steps away from the beach, so close that putting on shoes would be foolish.
    Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • But Cash’s most original and engaging writing is slightly out of step with reality and bleakly funny, devoted to wordplay and willing to be foolish about it.
    Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has decided that the pace of EV sales is far too slow and has proposed a new category of small and seriously affordable cars.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • States and cities that have loosened building constraints are already seeing slower rent growth compared to heavily regulated markets.
    J.D. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • When Jensen was tiring of running her own business, her little brother did her the same favor of helping her land a job with the cannabis dispensary From The Earth at their Brookside location, where she was quickly hired and loved by her coworkers.
    PJ Green January 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Although Richardson has only appeared in 25 of the 36 contests so far in his rookie campaign, the near first-half of his first year as a professional has been tiring for the 20-year-old who’s continued to adjust to his new life in Orlando.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While reading a Regency romance, the social rules a woman was forced to live by seem almost silly to our modern sensibilities.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The trailer promises traditional silly antics, like Gonzo’s daring stunts and Beaker’s dysfunctional science experiments, and musical performances.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Dilbert principle — traced back to a quote in a 1995 strip — posited that managers and higher-ups are actually successful morons whose stubbornness is confused for real leadership qualities.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Overwhelmingly, though, the most common response was to seek confirmation of their suspicions that Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were morons.
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • In such a world, simple answers won’t do; only the courage to ask the hardest questions will push us forward.
    Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Knox, who committed to wrestle at Rutgers University, and his dad were initially charged with simple assault for purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School on February.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!