dumb 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəm How to pronounce dumb (audio)
Definition of dumbnext
1
as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily don't call him dumb just because he makes the occasional mistake like the rest of us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reserved
tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) he prefers to remain dumb, and replies in monosyllables if really pressed

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dumb

2 of 2

verb

as in to mute
to stop the noise or speech of the terrible news dumbed her for a long moment, and then she burst into tears

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dumb contrast with its synonyms?

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

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When would crass be a good substitute for dumb?

While in some cases nearly identical to dumb, crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

Where would dense be a reasonable alternative to dumb?

The synonyms dense and dumb are sometimes interchangeable, but dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

In what contexts can dull take the place of dumb?

Although the words dull and dumb have much in common, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When is stupid a more appropriate choice than dumb?

While the synonyms stupid and dumb are close in meaning, 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

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 dumb
Adjective
That’s why we are drawn to do some of the dumber stuff when things get to their darkest. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 Mandylor is equally hilarious as a dumb thug who is so deserving of becoming shark bait. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
Verb
His commentary is equally free of snobbery and of attempts to dumb anything down. — David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025 Where conspiracies dumb us down to eventually believe that nothing is actually true? — S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb
  1. stupid
  2. reserved
  3. mute
  4. slow
  5. restrained
  6. shush
  7. simple
  8. quiet
Adjective
  • The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • Add a generous, heaping spoonful of the zucchini ragu (about 1/2 cup) to the pan along with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Whisk together milk and reserved pineapple juices in a medium bowl until combined.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserved
Verb
  • As the plot narrows into a search for a Manhunter, a murderous species whose vaunted ability to blend in is somewhat muted by every other alien having the same ability, each Lantern gets assigned a love interest.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
  • When Robert offers to help, Thom’s expression is curiously muted.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of mute
Adjective
  • Those include Japan’s massive debt that exceeds 200% of GDP, fiscal stimulus that’s expected to worsen the deficit, and a central bank that’s been slow to raise rates in the face of high inflation.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • With two outs, Junior Caminero hit a slow roller on a 1-2 slider that third baseman Encarnacion-Strand could not field cleanly for a run-scoring infield single.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve give superbly restrained performances as a married couple who have immigrated from Romania to a small seaside town in Norway with their four children.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Sydney penthouse, measuring in at just under 9,700 square feet, takes a restrained approach while still feeling sumptuous, thanks to interiors that pair custom pieces with luxe materials.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Verb
  • His interactions with Daemon (Matt Smith) last season, going so far as to shush him at one point, were a breath of fresh air.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed.
    — Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Definition of shush
Adjective
  • The task seemed like a simple one for a digital agent, as the booking form was online.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mungiu refuses to supply easy answers or simple paths to identification in this compelling provocation, which poses unresolvable questions to viewers about our biases and presumptions.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of simple
Verb
  • Why probiotics matters for sensitive and dry skin If your skin flares up easily, probiotics may help quiet the noise.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026
  • A little solitude can do wonders to quiet your brain from the chaos of day-to-day life.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet

Browse Nearby Words

duly
dumb
dumbbell
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Cite this Entry

“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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