SILLY Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of silly are asinine , fatuous , foolish , and simple . While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior. // the silly antics of revelers

Q: In what contexts can 'asinine' take the place of 'silly'?

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

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

Although the words fatuous and silly have much in common, fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality. // fatuous conspiracy theories

Q: When could 'foolish' be used to replace 'silly'?

The words foolish and silly can be used in similar contexts, but foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense. // foolish stunts

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

The words simple and silly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort. // considered people simple who had trouble with computers

silly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsi-lē

Definition of silly next

as in goofy

lacking in seriousness or maturity the matinee show was filled with a bunch of silly children making noise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stupid

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment those silly movie producers who thought that audiences would fall for that gimmick all over again

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as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter had the silly notion that her latest marriage might last longer than her three previous ones

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as in bewildered

suffering from mental confusion stunning news that knocked me silly

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silly

2 of 2

noun

as in simpleton

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sobersides

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of silly are asinine, fatuous, foolish, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

In what contexts can asinine take the place of silly?

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

an asinine plot

When is it sensible to use fatuous instead of silly?

Although the words fatuous and silly have much in common, fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When could foolish be used to replace silly?

The words foolish and silly can be used in similar contexts, but foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When would simple be a good substitute for silly?

The words simple and silly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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 silly

Adjective

There was a sublimely silly video in which Mulaney plays a ground control officer trying to help a chimp astronaut return to Earth early in the show. —

Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 In its best moments, Conclave uses its protagonist to explore the genuinely high stakes of the election as well as its sillier diversions. —

Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 By Judy Berman October 30, 2024 3:06 PM EDT October is for scaring yourself silly, and the month’s best new TV shows have supplied plenty of opportunities to do just that. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 The show, presented by CMI Entertainment, is on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Buckets N Boards: This upbeat comedy and unique percussion show combines inventive instruments, silly songs with a lot of personality and tap dancing, all performed by a world-touring pair of musicians. —

Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for silly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for silly

Adjective

This story of a man (Hanks) who decides to kill himself by throwing himself into a volcano before being interrupted by a series of increasingly odd events has its own goofy rhythm that Hanks steadies and smooths out, though maybe a little too much.

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
Drew Barrymore and the crew from The Talk also opted for goofy than spooky, with the Scream alum dressing up as the Queen of Halloween as The Talk hosts paid homage to some pop culture icons.

Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024