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

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 dense The film is so visually dense, so rapidly wordy, so referential to its own form, that often, details fly by in a blur. —

Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 For a full face, Spickard uses a dense flat top foundation brush or kabuki brush. —

Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 28 Jan. 2025 The combination of environmental regulations protecting chaparral, combined with the dense residential areas near it, mean that prescribed fire is very infrequently used in Southern California. —

Ella Nilsen, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025 But the visual jokes are dense and the look works for the setting and comedic ethos, reflecting the junky tourist-trap aesthetic that Mumolo and Wiig celebrate. —

Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dense

Adjective

In New York in the late 1920s, TB was more common among the poor who lived in crowded, often unsanitary conditions.

— Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 8 Feb. 2025
In the simulated scenario, a fictional freight train carrying hazardous materials through a crowded area derails in a fiery explosion, burning or otherwise injuring 800 people.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025