stupid 1 of 2

1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest I can't believe we sat through the whole stupid movie

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

stupid

2 of 2

noun

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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
Adjective
  • The entire family is outraged, but Peter insists that the film is slow, boring and essentially, overrated.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Recently, Jennifer Lopez has been a big fan of natural manicures, which are anything but boring.
    Lea Hüttinger, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of the angel families here today were betrayed by the last administration and with its heartless, and foolish, and really very arrogant and dumb policies.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Walking away from that security might have seemed foolish at the time, but twelve years later, King runs a digital empire that has redefined entertainment.
    Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Now that era is over, the pendulum is starting a slow swing back toward maximalism.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The fires have highlighted the slow disaster of the region’s aridification — and the challenges even the most committed environmentalist politicians face amid climate change.
    Sammy Feldblum, The Dial, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to her tiring routine of delivering disappointment, Hadoula also has to contend with her own troubles in the form of a vision of her deceased mother (Maria Protoppapa).
    Ryan Swen, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Image Piloting a firefighting aircraft is sweaty, tiring work, Mr. Mattiacci said.
    Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This Sabrina is silly and effusive and a tad bit privileged.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Looking silly is a small price to pay for a memorable first impression.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Her voice is the center (a volcano, an oasis) and the music is simple, supportive and emotional.
    Liza Lentini, SPIN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The way this works is relatively simple in concept; TVs and computer software have done it for decades.
    Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Women and adults younger than 45 are more likely than men and older adults to say that moderate drinking is bad for health, as were Democrats and independents.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • On the day of the shooting, Nixon-Clark was 16 years and 9 months old, just shy of reaching legal status as an adult.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stupid

Cite this Entry

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.

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