nincompoop
10 synonyms for nincompoop, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A silly, foolish person.
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.
Etymology
Origin uncertain and debated for centuries; possibly linked to the name Nicodemus or to "ninny," with a second part that may come from an old sense of "poop" meaning to fool or deceive.
Full origin of nincompoop →Frequently asked questions
What does “nincompoop” mean?
The word “nincompoop” means a silly, foolish person. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, faintly comic word for a fool.
How do you pronounce “nincompoop”?
“Nincompoop” is pronounced NIHNG-kuhm-poop (/ˈnɪŋkəmˌpup/ in IPA).
How do you use “nincompoop” in a sentence?
Here is “nincompoop” used in a sentence: “Only a nincompoop would leave the front door wide open overnight.”
What part of speech is “nincompoop”?
“Nincompoop” is a noun.
