FATUOUS Synonyms: 184 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fatuous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fatuous are asinine , foolish , silly , and simple . While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality. // fatuous conspiracy theories

Q: When is it sensible to use 'asinine' instead of 'fatuous'?

In some situations, the words asinine and fatuous are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception. // an asinine plot

Q: When is 'foolish' a more appropriate choice than 'fatuous'?

Although the words foolish and fatuous have much in common, foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense. // foolish stunts

Q: When would 'silly' be a good substitute for 'fatuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fatuous , silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior. // the silly antics of revelers

Q: When might 'simple' be a better fit than 'fatuous'?

The words simple and fatuous can be used in similar contexts, but simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort. // considered people simple who had trouble with computers

fatuous

adjective

ˈfa-chü-əs

Definition of fatuous next

as in stupid

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily the fatuous questions that the audience members asked after the lecture suggested to the oceanographer that they had understood little

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in foolish

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment ignoring the avalanche warnings, the fatuous skiers continued on their way down the trail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fatuous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fatuous are asinine, foolish, silly, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When is it sensible to use asinine instead of fatuous?

In some situations, the words asinine and fatuous are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When is foolish a more appropriate choice than fatuous?

Although the words foolish and fatuous have much in common, foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When would silly be a good substitute for fatuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to fatuous, silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

When might simple be a better fit than fatuous?

The words simple and fatuous can be used in similar contexts, but simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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 fatuous Neither Berlanti nor Gilroy believe in them beyond the fatuous setup of their competitiveness with each other. —

Armond White, National Review, 17 July 2024 Read their fatuous decision and weep for your country. —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024 This crucible reveals Costner’s true politics, the skepticism about America’s founding combined with the optimism that made both Dances with Wolves and his ecological Third World fantasy Rapa Nui into fatuous hippie visions of global conquest. —

Armond White, National Review, 3 July 2024 Trump delivered a torrent of lies, exaggerations, fatuous boasts, ominous threats and unrelenting slanders against America and Biden. —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for fatuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatuous

Adjective

Some of the replies were the usual stupid snark on social media from people who thrive on being negative.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025
The premise itself is both deeply stupid and incredibly clever (the sweet spot, really).

— Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025