FATUOUS Synonyms: 184 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fatuous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fatuous are asinine , foolish , silly , and simple . While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality. // fatuous conspiracy theories

Q: When is it sensible to use 'asinine' instead of 'fatuous'?

In some situations, the words asinine and fatuous are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception. // an asinine plot

Q: When is 'foolish' a more appropriate choice than 'fatuous'?

Although the words foolish and fatuous have much in common, foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense. // foolish stunts

Q: When would 'silly' be a good substitute for 'fatuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fatuous , silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior. // the silly antics of revelers

Q: When might 'simple' be a better fit than 'fatuous'?

The words simple and fatuous can be used in similar contexts, but simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort. // considered people simple who had trouble with computers

fatuous

adjective

ˈfa-chü-əs

Definition of fatuous

as in stupid

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily the fatuous questions that the audience members asked after the lecture suggested to the oceanographer that they had understood little

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in foolish

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment ignoring the avalanche warnings, the fatuous skiers continued on their way down the trail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fatuous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fatuous are asinine, foolish, silly, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When is it sensible to use asinine instead of fatuous?

In some situations, the words asinine and fatuous are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When is foolish a more appropriate choice than fatuous?

Although the words foolish and fatuous have much in common, foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When would silly be a good substitute for fatuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to fatuous, silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

When might simple be a better fit than fatuous?

The words simple and fatuous can be used in similar contexts, but simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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 fatuous This fatuous facial gesture is immediately relatable but also, as Locke discusses below, one that can be read in a number of different ways. —Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024 Schools must accept that mission statements without curriculum alignment are fatuous; the way schools define themselves is through the experience that flows from their curriculum. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Neither Berlanti nor Gilroy believe in them beyond the fatuous setup of their competitiveness with each other. —Armond White, National Review, 17 July 2024 Read their fatuous decision and weep for your country. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for fatuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatuous

Adjective

Friendships built on insecurity, where men constantly have to prove their manhood, are a breeding ground for toxic attitudes and stupid decision-making.

— Terry Ward, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
Also, his team told him over the radio, basically, don’t do anything stupid, Nato is going to be penalized for not using all his Attack Mode.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025