moron
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for moron, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An insult for a stupid or foolish person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use moron
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Informal and often offensive; the old clinical use as a psychological classification is obsolete and considered outdated and derogatory today.
Etymology
Coined in 1910 by psychologist Henry H. Goddard from Greek mōrós ("foolish, dull"); it was originally a clinical classification before becoming a general insult.
Full origin of moron →Frequently asked questions
What does “moron” mean?
The word “moron” means an insult for a stupid or foolish person. In plain terms, a rude, casual word for someone acting stupidly.
How do you pronounce “moron”?
“Moron” is pronounced MAW-ron (/ˈmoɹɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “moron” in a sentence?
Here is “moron” used in a sentence: “Only a moron would leave the car unlocked in that neighborhood.”
What part of speech is “moron”?
“Moron” is a noun.
Where does the word “moron” come from?
The word “moron” dates back to around 1910 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1910 by psychologist Henry H. Goddard from Greek mōrós ("foolish, dull"); it was originally a clinical classification before becoming a general insult.
Is “moron” a common word?
“Moron” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is moron an offensive word?
Yes, moron is used as an insult for a stupid or foolish person, and it is generally considered impolite or offensive in modern usage, though it was once used as a clinical term in early 20th-century psychology before becoming a common insult.
What is the difference between moron and idiot?
Moron and idiot are both informal insults for a foolish person and are largely interchangeable in casual speech today, though historically both terms originated as outdated clinical classifications before shifting entirely to insults.
Is moron appropriate to use in formal writing?
No, moron is an informal insult and is not appropriate for formal or professional writing, where more neutral terms would be expected to describe a mistake or poor judgment without insulting a person directly.