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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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
There were so many strangers ready to weigh in on my dumb life choices! — Sara Vilkomerson, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 The premise of the movie, which opens nationwide on Friday, has been dubbed wild, insane and even dumb. — David MacK, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 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
  • But also, the audience is not used to people delivering blunt questions — no matter how stupid the answer.
    — Jade Tran, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Pierce and Kember were born in the same place on the same day, a lore-enhancing coincidence too stupid to make up.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • Doncic’s dueling personalities — the charismatic showman on the court and the reserved personality off it — overlap in his generosity.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Premier and reserved parking passes are both $65 on Ticketmaster.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of reserved
Verb
  • Pressing the reset button will mute the alarm for one minute, and a long press (10 seconds) will reset and restart the sensor.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Shot on England’s coasts and countryside, the film favors muted costumes, no makeup and quiet, lingering scenes, presenting Austen’s young women as emotionally immediate and recognizably modern.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mute
Adjective
  • The song develops into a slow-burn, lighters-up jam, its long, unhurried coda like getting lost in a sea of echoing, overlapping memories.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Protein and fiber slow digestion, supporting satiety and healthy blood sugar regulation.
    — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The hotel interprets this mantra through balanced proportions, restrained interiors, and a hospitality approach that favors comfort over excess.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained
Verb
  • Bass’ barrages got to Raman more than a few times, leading her to talk over the NBC and Telemundo moderators or even shush them.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • They were repeatedly shushed instead as the Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3) fell to 13-10 in their marquee event after failing to keep pace with a USC offense that averaged nearly eight yards per play through the first three quarters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of shush
Adjective
  • The actor wore a long black leather coat over a simple black tank, paired with straight-leg blue jeans cinched with a leather belt.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple
Verb
  • Albertans voted overwhelmingly to remain in Canada on Monday, but the result may do little to quiet the separatist movement that helped bring the question to the ballot.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
  • It’s been a tumultuous journey but coming to Atlanta this season has been the perfect move for the three-time All-Star, whose accomplishments this year have quieted many of her critics.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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