dumb
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dumb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Stupid or unintelligent; showing poor judgment.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dumb
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English dumb, "unable to speak." The modern "stupid" sense spread widely in the 19th century, likely influenced by the similar-sounding German dumm and Dutch dom, which already meant "stupid."
Full origin of dumb →Frequently asked questions
What does “dumb” mean?
The word “dumb” means stupid or unintelligent; showing poor judgment. In plain terms, most commonly used today to mean "stupid" or "unwise"; the older meaning of "mute/unable to speak" is now considered outdated and potentially offensive when applied to people.
How do you pronounce “dumb”?
“Dumb” is pronounced duhm (/dʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “dumb” in a sentence?
Here is “dumb” used in a sentence: “Forgetting my passport was a dumb mistake.”
What part of speech is “dumb”?
Depending on how it is used, “dumb” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “dumb” come from?
The word “dumb” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Old English. From Old English dumb, "unable to speak." The modern "stupid" sense spread widely in the 19th century, likely influenced by the similar-sounding German dumm and Dutch dom, which already meant "stupid.".
Is “dumb” a common word?
“Dumb” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dumb” have?
“Dumb” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: stupid or unintelligent; showing poor judgment.
What is the difference between dumb and stupid?
They overlap heavily, both meaning a lack of intelligence or sense. 'Stupid' is the broader and slightly stronger word. 'Dumb' is more casual and often lighter, frequently used for a silly idea or mistake rather than a person — 'a dumb joke,' 'a dumb question.' In informal speech, the two are largely interchangeable.
Is dumb an offensive word?
It can be. Used of an idea or action, as in 'a dumb mistake,' it is mild and informal. Aimed directly at a person, it becomes an insult. Its older meaning, 'unable to speak,' is now considered outdated and offensive, so 'dumb' should never describe someone who cannot talk; 'non-speaking' is preferred.
Is dumb formal or informal?
'Dumb' is informal. It suits casual conversation, texting, and light complaints, such as 'that's a dumb rule,' but is out of place in formal writing, reports, or polite discussion. In those settings, neutral words like 'unwise,' 'ill-judged,' or 'mistaken' carry the same meaning without sounding blunt or rude.
What is the opposite of dumb?
For the 'unintelligent' sense, the opposites are 'smart,' 'clever,' 'intelligent,' 'bright,' and 'wise.' Which one fits depends on the target: a 'clever' idea, a 'smart' decision, or a 'wise' choice. Note that this is the opposite of the informal insult, not of the older 'unable to speak' meaning.