dumb 1 of 2

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

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2

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
Pete Townshend wrote the music and the lyrics for the inspiring story of the deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball. Dan Kelly, kansascity.com, 6 June 2017 Some Dumb American, for giving me the opportunity — and for demonstrating what doing it badly looks like. Lily Meade, Teen Vogue, 6 July 2017
Verb
This includes throwing out 31 of 47 runners dumb enough to run on him in 2022. James Yasko, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023 Don’t dumb the game down. Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for dumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb
Adjective
  • Instead, the series seems determined to prove that age is just a number by forcing its leads, now including Choudhury and Parker, to act as if 50 is the new (and very stupid) 30.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Jurassic Park, based on the Michael Crichton best-seller, is an evolutionary joke: Man, the master of the universe, has become mere flesh, consumed by animals allegedly too stupid to survive.
    David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tillman, who is generally more reserved than spotlight-chasing players in his role, strode up and shanked his attempt off the post to his left, perhaps hampered by the foul on his plant leg.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • The reserved Federal lands and interests in lands encompass approximately 0.12 acres.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Movements in Indian stocks were muted in early trade Tuesday, as the other key indexes in Asia-Pacific swung between gains and losses.
    Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • Across the markets, the reaction to the Vietnam trade deal was somewhat muted after an abysmal private-employment report.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasters at the National Weather Service said there was the potential for additional catastrophic flooding and heavy rainfall in the region throughout Saturday, given the storm’s slow craw across the state.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Even though we've all been told gray is on its way out for quite some time, it's been a slow burn.
    Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • These moves have prompted concern among segments of Trump's base supportive of a restrained international role, raising questions about the administration's direction ahead of a crucial 2026 midterm election cycle.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • As Rick, Goggins got to show longtime fans and incoming members of his fan club a rarer side of the actor: quiet, restrained, in deep amounts of unspoken pain.
    Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • For a start, the cheers from the nearby Andy Murray Arena are loud and booming, but so too is the exclusive balcony area hanging just to the side of the court, where people are sipping their wine or their Pimm’s and chatting loudly (the judge on court 1 has to shush them at one point).
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • The crowd had just spent an entire overtime shushing each other.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • While it’s not used on actual babies much anymore due to health concerns, a sprinkle of baby powder can quiet squeaks, remove sand, absorb oil, and more.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • His start to the 2024 season didn’t help quiet those calls.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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