DENSE Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dense' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dense are crass , dull , dumb , and stupid . While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas. // too dense to take a hint

Q: When can 'crass' be used instead of 'dense'?

The words crass and dense can be used in similar contexts, but crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy. // a crass , materialistic people

Q: When might 'dull' be a better fit than 'dense'?

While the synonyms dull and dense are close in meaning, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock. // monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

Q: When would 'dumb' be a good substitute for 'dense'?

The meanings of dumb and dense largely overlap; however, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension. // too dumb to figure out what's going on

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stupid' instead of 'dense'?

The words stupid and dense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

dense

adjective

ˈden(t)s

Definition of dense next

as in crowded

having little space between items or parts the dense soil in the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thick

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily she accused him of being dense when he didn't seem to understand her at first

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dense contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dense are crass, dull, dumb, and stupid. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

When can crass be used instead of dense?

The words crass and dense can be used in similar contexts, but crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When might dull be a better fit than dense?

While the synonyms dull and dense are close in meaning, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When would dumb be a good substitute for dense?

The meanings of dumb and dense largely overlap; however, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When is it sensible to use stupid instead of dense?

The words stupid and dense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Examples 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 dense The current political season, dense with incident and overcast with grim premonitions, feels more difficult than usual to take in at just a glance. —

Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024 Threat level: In places where cities and states have already allowed for denser housing in single-family neighborhoods, homeowners have, at times, resisted. —

Andrew Keatts, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 Using the 16-Inch MacBook Pro: The Most Specialized MacBook Primarily a desktop replacement or workstation, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is surprisingly dense if you’re otherwise used to tossing around a lithe MacBook Air. —

PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Reading this dense yet miraculously seductive book becomes an experience like Hans Castorp’s interlude on the mountain. —

George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dense

Adjective

At least one woman is nominated in every rap category, including three in the crowded Best Rap Performance, a majority in Best Melodic Rap Performance, and the first woman in Best Rap Album since 2018.

Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Fans could live there for an entire weekend with a supply of chicken wings and chips and never set foot in the crowded stadium.

Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024