stupid 1 of 2

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

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a stupid question
a dumb question
a silly question
an idiotic question
a foolish question
a lame question
a stupid idea
a dumb idea
an idiotic idea
a bad idea
a terrible idea
a horrible idea
a stupid story
a dumb story
a silly story
a lame story
a bad story
a pointless story
a stupid war
a dumb war
an idiotic war
a foolish war
a senseless war
a pointless war

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
Recording artists and songwriters are not held in such high regard for their ability to follow stupid rules or do what they’re told. Kay Hanley, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Republicans have blasted Democrats over the years for talking down to people, with several arguing the average voter does not like to feel stupid. Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
But those options continue to be out of reach for the majority of those who are afflicted with this stupid, infuriating skin condition. Megan McIntyre, refinery29.com, 9 June 2022 Somebody who is dyslexic sometimes has this fear of being perceived as [stupid]. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2022 See all Example Sentences for stupid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupid
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • Harris, the narrator’s husband: Paul Mescal or Nick Kroll Can Ireland's sexiest chain-wearer reinvent himself as a boring straight guy who's not entirely fulfilling his wife?
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
  • From awful ads to a divisive halftime show to a boring game, 10 things to forget.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump's plan for redevelopment of Gaza Strip is both foolish and unworkable, not a great combination.
    Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The bottom line: try not to be weather wise, climate foolish.
    Renee Winick, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • After the fines in September, SpaceX sent a letter to Congress blasting AST for being too slow to keep up with the booming space industry.
    Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Level 2 charging times with the Premium trim and its smaller 14.9 kWh battery are roughly the same thanks to a slower onboard charger (3 kW vs. 6 on the Ultimate).
    Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The first few years of being a parent can be among the most tiring as moms and dads try and often fail to get infants into a regular routine of unbroken sleep at night.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • No matter the outcome of the AFC Championship Game between the Chiefs and Bills, the winners are anyone who was tiring of the Taylor Swift-Hailee Steinfeld (faux) drama.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Sophia Smith, a Colorado kid whose commute from Windsor and dedication to soccer makes my story look silly, is making more than $500,000 a year in her new contract with the Portland Thorns, and reports say her outside contracts and sponsorships are worth another $1.2 million.
    Megan Schrader, The Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2025
  • The way bacon is packaged in this country is silly.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Its simple style can be dressed up with your best evening wear or paired with casual outfits to be your next wardrobe staple.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Yellow is the simplest, and purple is the most difficult.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff: The high school senior, Timothy and Victoria's youngest, is pulled between following the life path of his older sister and brother while deciding his major life decision: Whether to go to Duke or the University of North Carolina.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stupid

Cite this Entry

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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