dumb 1 of 2

1
2
as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily don't call him dumb just because he makes the occasional mistake like the rest of us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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dumb

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verb

as in to mute
to stop the noise or speech of the terrible news dumbed her for a long moment, and then she burst into tears

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dumb contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dumb are crass, dense, dull, and stupid. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When would crass be a good substitute for dumb?

While in some cases nearly identical to dumb, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

Where would dense be a reasonable alternative to dumb?

The synonyms dense and dumb are sometimes interchangeable, but dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

In what contexts can dull take the place of dumb?

Although the words dull and dumb have much in common, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When is stupid a more appropriate choice than dumb?

While the synonyms stupid and dumb are close in meaning, 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 dumb
Adjective
Pete Townshend wrote the music and the lyrics for the inspiring story of the deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball. Dan Kelly, kansascity.com, 6 June 2017 Some Dumb American, for giving me the opportunity — and for demonstrating what doing it badly looks like. Lily Meade, Teen Vogue, 6 July 2017
Verb
This includes throwing out 31 of 47 runners dumb enough to run on him in 2022. James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023 Don’t dumb the game down. Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for dumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb
Adjective
  • After several minutes the second officer came and, again, Pike kept silent.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The event will also include silent and live auctions, delicious food and drink, and joyous community, according to a news release.
    Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His is a sort of erudite buffoonery that consistently tap-dances between clever, self-aware, and patently stupid.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Ignoring those who served and buried honorably is stupid.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As a gesture of its deep appreciation, any active duty, retired, or reserved members can enjoy an exclusive 10% military discount off their orders.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Photos from the night depict the reserved legend seemingly trying to disassociate from his surroundings.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Had the film debuted to stupendous reviews, this controversy may have been muted.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Sadly, tracking has been muted, with neither awareness nor interest reaching 40%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2023
  • Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • The second came in April 2022, when Wall Street panicked over analysts’ predicting slow subscriber growth as Disney, HBO and NBCUniversal invested heavily in streaming.
    Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • It’s also been growing other divisions like digital services and wearables over the last decade to help offset general periods of slow iPhone sales.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This production, which was more on the restrained side, was directed by Jose Maria Condemi.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The Honduran government has asked the U.S. to release the restrained deportees once the planes enter Honduran airspace, Paz said.
    Ronny Rojas, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fathers shushed babbling toddlers as their wives snuck out to change infants’ diapers.
    Carlos Nogueras Ramos, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • In his 2023 address, President Joe Biden was repeatedly met with heckles and boos from some Republican lawmakers, leading then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to shush them, according to CNN.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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