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

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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

The Fighting Irish will play for their first title since 1988, and Kelly looks silly. —

Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 But the finished product feels relatively humorless, leaving the cast looking silly in scenes that might conceivably have flown if played as deadpan comedy — not a tenor achieved or seemingly even aimed for here. —

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025 Lexi starts it quite clearly a little nervous, but then gets more comfortable and by the end is perfectly embodying the silly, bratty nature of the song. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025 This year's theme was: What's one moment — big or small, substantive or silly, related only and selfishly to you — that was the most magical? —

Jim Vandehei, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for silly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for silly

Adjective

Ultimately, while The Substance got off to an intriguing start, the majority of the film and especially its goofy ending was mostly cheap shock value and amateurish satire built on the flimsiest premise imaginable.

— Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Comedian and host Conan O’Brien was named the newest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy on Thursday. O’Brien, 61, has carved out an improbable decades-long career arc, moving from goofy television interloper to comedic elder statesman.

— Ashraf Khalil, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025