1
as in silent
deliberately refraining from speech
the mayor has chosen to remain dumb about her activities that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022
M3GAN kills people, but our gal is not about to dumb herself down for Ken.
—Mattie Kahn, Town & Country, 14 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for 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
Don’t dumb the game down.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022
M3GAN kills people, but our gal is not about to dumb herself down for Ken.
—Mattie Kahn, Town & Country, 14 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumb
Adjective
-
While the Trump administration was silent on the details of the document, a New York Times report described it as merely a list of bullet points, not a full draft, citing four officials familiar with the negotiations.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
1 June 2025
-
Proenza Schouler leans toward a silent gesture with its mint green terry dress.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
-
Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
My ticket was for travel with up to six others in a reserved couchette cabin.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Sprinkle tops evenly with reserved sugar-flour mixture (about 1 1/2 teaspoons each).—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
That said, any impact the jobs report had on the stock market was muted.—
Paolo Confino,
Fortune,
4 June 2025
-
When hatred is this blatant, and the response from institutions and leaders is muted or muddled, something foundational is eroding. Antisemitism has always been a threat, but its resurgence, and frightening acceptance, in mainstream American life is dangerous and disorienting.—
Larry Hogan,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
In helicopter video taken by Air Maui Helicopter Tours in Lahaina and posted online the people aboard are largely speechless.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
10 Aug. 2023
-
Because his work, as is often the case, leaves us almost speechless.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
Still, even if the growth is slower than in some North American leagues, European teams continue to appreciate.—
Justin Teitelbaum,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
Here in Croatia, the pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
The company expects ongoing cautious consumer behavior amid persistent inflation, leading to restrained discretionary spending, especially on high-ticket products.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Wirtz, especially, can look awkward in Julian Nagelsmann’s team, and is used in a comparatively restrained way.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
But, when Lydia attempts to explain herself, Tina shushes her.—
Joey Nolfi Published,
EW.com,
4 June 2025
-
The host had to shush the boisterous crowd more than once to focus their attention on the items for sale.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumb. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share