stupid 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstü-pəd How to pronounce stupid (audio)
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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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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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
Among the colorful cast of rogues, villains, queens and clergymen, Andre The Giant stands out as the young suitor’s kind-hearted but stupid brute. —Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025 The sweet charity of our stupid reigned -- the worse decisions, the better -- and fun captured us in its talons. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
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
  1. dumb
  2. boring
  3. foolish
  4. slow
  5. tiring
  6. silly
  7. moron
  8. simple
Adjective
  • So many of Black Rabbit’s subplots are confusing, boring, or dumb.
    — Andrew Bernard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Luis Jauregui, a professor at UC Irvine, is an expert in quantum physics who is smart enough to describe his work in terms that are foreign to a non-scientist, yet affable enough to explain it anyway, without making any non-scientist feel dumb.
    — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • And, actually, representative of the sport in these non-boring ’20s.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Aesha knows a thing or two about Bitcoin, despite finding it a boring topic of conversation — her fiancé, Scott, is into crypto.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • This place belongs to the Carver, a deranged butcher who hunts anything foolish enough to enter.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • France had been humiliated in 1871 by Prussia in a foolish war of its own making, and Dreyfus, accused of passing military secrets to the Germans, was a convenient scapegoat in a time of national malaise.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Definition of foolish
Adjective
  • The episodes feel choppy, hardly letting anything land, yet still feeling slow.
    — Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The crowd, quietening into a slow clap with the moment building, burst into a celebration.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • The first trimester was always tiring.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Without a strict hierarchy or single decision-maker, our process can sometimes be slow, messy, or even tiring.
    — Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • This dance party for toddlers and preschoolers is packed with silly puppets, cheerful songs, and endless smiles!
    — Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And why that silly jacket in the middle of June?
    — David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Definition of silly
Noun
  • Only a moron would cut the funding of an industry that actually brings revenue into the government’s pocket.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Seth Rollins gassed Bron up by saying Jey Uso thinks his dad is a loser and his uncle is a moron.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Definition of moron
Adjective
  • Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

stupes
stupid
stupidities
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Cite this Entry

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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