DUMB Synonyms: 254 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dumb 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəm

Definition of dumb next

as in silent

deliberately refraining from speech the mayor has chosen to remain dumb about her activities that night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in reserved

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) he prefers to remain dumb, and replies in monosyllables if really pressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dumb

2 of 2

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

stir
agitate

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

Don’t dumb the game down. —

Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022 Remember: when in doubt, dumb it down. —

Yec, Forbes, 24 June 2021 See all Example Sentences for dumb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb

Adjective

Humberto pressures him to keep silent but doing so would mean betraying his communitarian principles.

— Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
The library of Cohen Media Group’s founder, Charles S. Cohen, comprises more than one hundred restored classic titles spanning from the silent era to the present day, including The Buster Keaton Collection and The Merchant Ivory Collection.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025