asinine

adjective

as·​i·​nine ˈa-sə-ˌnīn How to pronounce asinine (audio)
Synonyms of asininenext
1
: extremely or utterly foolish or silly
an asinine excuse
2
: of, relating to, or resembling an ass
asininely adverb
asininity
ˌa-sə-ˈni-nə-tē How to pronounce asinine (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for asinine

simple, foolish, silly, fatuous, asinine mean actually or apparently deficient in intelligence.

simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

Examples of asinine in a Sentence

… geniuses like Brando strike self and material together in a way that sets off some incomparable spark, radiating so much charisma that they get away with choices that would seem asinine from anyone else. — Jeremy McCarter, New York Times Book Review, 4 Jan. 2009
The boss of Wells Fargo has called the solvency tests "asinine". The aim of such behaviour is presumably to convince regulators to focus the coming clampdown on the weakest banks. — The Economist, 13-19 June 2009
First the good news: There's one palatable piece of ear candy here, "Rocket O' Love." While the words are asinine ("Shotgun, shing-a-ling/One, two, one two three, hey!!"), it's a hearty … rocker Billy Squier might like to call his own. — David Hiltbrand, People Weekly, 11 Mar. 1991
it was asinine to run into the street like that
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What's worse than luring Robert De Niro to Netflix for a boring, soulless and asinine political thriller? — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 Alonso may not be the priority at first base for the Bronx Bombers, but to say there is zero interest is asinine. — Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin asininus, from asinus ass

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asinine was in the 15th century

Rhymes for asinine

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Browse Nearby Words

asinine
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Cite this Entry

“Asinine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asinine. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

asinine

adjective
as·​i·​nine ˈas-ᵊn-ˌīn How to pronounce asinine (audio)
: extremely foolish
an asinine excuse
asininely adverb
asininity
ˌas-ᵊn-ˈin-ət-ē How to pronounce asinine (audio)
noun

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