stupid 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstü-pəd How to pronounce stupid (audio)
Definition of stupidnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Try This Instead Try This Instead

For
Try This
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
Cuomo’s one error in fixing LGA was banking on a very stupid, very expensive, $2.4 billion people mover called the AirTrain that would have required travelers from Manhattan and other points west to double back after taking the LIRR or No. 7. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025 The only thing shocking about this story is that the Washington elites are stupid enough to coordinate their latest military adventure on a messaging app like a bunch of teenagers planning a keg party. — Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
It is described as a stupid-kids-in-the-woods story with a wry twist. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 20 Sep. 2022 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 See All Example Sentences for stupid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupid
  1. dumb
  2. boring
  3. foolish
  4. slow
  5. tiring
  6. silly
  7. simple
  8. old
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
Definition of dumb
Adjective
  • Transform boring tasks into challenges with stakes, rewards, and achievements.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Broberg’s heartbreaking overtime winner Some overtimes are boring, with teams methodically regrouping.
    — Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • My big mistake was in not challenging from the stage the foolish few who booed.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2025
  • While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up the opportunity to add generational talents like Jeanty.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of foolish
Adjective
  • The shark’s slow movement may have allowed the octopus to stay latched on, but if the mako had picked up speed, the octopus likely would have been forced off.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • While the dollar amount of initial aid is in line with what the U.S. has pledged in the past, the overall pace of the response has been slower.
    — Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Of course, going from shows to pickleball classes to after-hours jam sessions at B.B. King’s Blues Club can be tiring.
    — DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Sanchez added a selfie from bed, sharing how tiring her pregnancy is.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • Moments that may seem silly or insignificant to others — like sharing a particular greeting, teasing each other in a familiar way or even speaking to each other in silly, baby-ish voices — can be great sources of comfort and familiarity for partners.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The industry has seen its fair share of terrible ideas, from the downright bizarre to the silly.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of silly
Adjective
  • Compared with the residential dish, the Mini has power options that are more flexible, and a simpler setup process.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Martha Stewart and Mila Kunis carried ones that looked like this simple option.
    — Clint Davis, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were the only players to hit that mark at 28 years old.
    — Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Every year in the US, there are approximately 35,000 ER visits due to unintentional medication overdoses among children under 5 years old.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of old

Browse Nearby Words

stupes
stupid
stupidities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupid. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on stupid

Nglish: Translation of stupid for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
kestrel
Name That Bird Quiz Are you as wise as an owl or just another birdbrain?
See All