stupid
125 synonyms and 2 antonyms for stupid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Lacking intelligence or common sense.
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.
Antonyms
How to use stupid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Blunt and often considered rude when applied to a person directly; use "unwise" or "ill-advised" in more polite or professional contexts.
Etymology
From Middle French stupide, from Latin stupidus ("struck senseless"), from stupeo ("to be dazed"). Related to stupor and stupendous.
Full origin of stupid →Frequently asked questions
What does “stupid” mean?
The word “stupid” means lacking intelligence or common sense. In plain terms, not smart, or (informally) just annoying.
How do you pronounce “stupid”?
“Stupid” is pronounced STYOO-pihd (/ˈst(j)u.pɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “stupid” in a sentence?
Here is “stupid” used in a sentence: “It was a stupid mistake that cost him his job.”
What is another word for “stupid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stupid” include daft, inept, addlebrained, addlepated, airheaded and bee-brained.
What is the opposite of “stupid”?
The opposite of “stupid” — its antonyms — are intelligent and nonstupid.
What part of speech is “stupid”?
Depending on how it is used, “stupid” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “stupid” come from?
The word “stupid” comes from Latin. From Middle French stupide, from Latin stupidus ("struck senseless"), from stupeo ("to be dazed"). Related to stupor and stupendous.
Is “stupid” a common word?
“Stupid” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between stupid and ignorant?
'Stupid' suggests a lack of intelligence or common sense — a difficulty in understanding or reasoning. 'Ignorant' means simply lacking knowledge about something, which can be fixed by learning. A very intelligent person can be ignorant of a fact, so the two words are not interchangeable, and 'stupid' is far more insulting.
Is 'stupid' an offensive word?
It can be. Applied to a person, 'stupid' is an insult that questions their intelligence and can cause real offence. Used of an idea, plan, or object ('a stupid mistake'), it is milder and more casual. Because it targets ability rather than behaviour, many people find it hurtful and avoid it.
What is the opposite of stupid?
The most common opposites are 'intelligent', 'smart', and 'clever', all describing quick understanding and sound reasoning. Other antonyms include 'bright', 'sharp', and 'wise', though 'wise' leans more toward good judgement than raw intelligence. The right choice depends on whether you mean mental ability or practical common sense.