STUPID Synonyms: 447 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'stupid' contrast with its synonyms?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'crass' instead of 'stupid'?

The words crass and stupid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy. // a crass , materialistic people

Q: When can 'dense' be used instead of 'stupid'?

Although the words dense and stupid have much in common, dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas. // too dense to take a hint

Q: When is 'dull' a more appropriate choice than 'stupid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupid , dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock. // monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

Q: In what contexts can 'dumb' take the place of 'stupid'?

In some situations, the words dumb and stupid are roughly equivalent. However, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension. // too dumb to figure out what's going on

stupid 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstü-pəd

Definition of stupid next

as in dumb

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily we watched as the stupid squirrels tried unsuccessfully to find a way to get the seeds from the new bird feeder there are no stupid questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest I can't believe we sat through the whole stupid movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in foolish

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment not liking the captain is a stupid reason to quit the team

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stupid

2 of 2

noun

as in idiot

a stupid person a genius at math, but a total stupid when it came to his love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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For

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a stupid question

a dumb question

a silly question

an idiotic question

a foolish question

a lame question

a stupid idea

a dumb idea

an idiotic idea

a bad idea

a terrible idea

a horrible idea

a stupid story

a dumb story

a silly story

a lame story

a bad story

a pointless story

a stupid war

a dumb war

an idiotic war

a foolish war

a senseless war

a pointless war

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stupid contrast with its synonyms?

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

When is it sensible to use crass instead of stupid?

The words crass and stupid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When can dense be used instead of stupid?

Although the words dense and stupid have much in common, dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

When is dull a more appropriate choice than stupid?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupid, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

In what contexts can dumb take the place of stupid?

In some situations, the words dumb and stupid are roughly equivalent. However, dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

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 stupid

Adjective

So, a tragic and stupid story, but one that highlights just how mainstream 3D-printing tech has become. —

Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2025 The bad guys are a little too stupid, the good guys are a little too lucky, and the conspiracy plot is riddled with holes. —

Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

But those options continue to be out of reach for the majority of those who are afflicted with this stupid, infuriating skin condition. —

Megan McIntyre, refinery29.com, 9 June 2022 Somebody who is dyslexic sometimes has this fear of being perceived as [stupid]. —

Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2022 See all Example Sentences for stupid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupid

Adjective

Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.

— Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.

— Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017