cretin

noun

ˈkrē-tᵊn How to pronounce cretin (audio)
Definition of cretinnext
1
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others the captain finally had to deal with the cretin in the back of the plane

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in moron
a stupid person in discussions anyone who disagrees with her is inevitably called a cretin

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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 cretin An audience used to having a cretin to groan at would need a new target. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025 In Abercrombie’s fiction, the shining hero on horseback may be the most wretched cretin of them all, while the dandy of a prince, despised by his own people, is the one person with real courage and decency. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2021 But the good things Huff did 10 years ago don’t give him a lifetime pass to be a cretin. — Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2020 There are the buck-passers, cretins who are content to simply stand up, find another table, and pass their misfortune on to some other unsuspecting soul. — Amiel Stanek, Bon Appétit, 26 Aug. 2019 See All Example Sentences for cretin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cretin
  1. jerk
  2. moron
  3. clown
  4. stupid
  5. dog
Noun
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • The unlikely source is Enervate’s company stooge corporate strategist, Ken Davies (Tim Key), a moron by any measure.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
  • God help us all if some idiot, some moron, ever put you in charge.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026
Definition of moron
Noun
  • When asked about his most Mary-like quality, Yang pointed to the duality of the clown.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jean pays tribute to the oversized trousers worn by rodeo clowns.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • My dad has always said the lottery is a tax on the stupid.
    — Alex Crippen, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Problem is, even people who know baseball don’t know baseball, which makes betting on baseball stupid.
    — Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of stupid
Noun
  • Which dog breeds tend to live the longest If longevity is the priority, a handful of smaller breeds routinely post the longest lifespans, according to breed data compiled by Reader’s Digest.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Much has been made of Winter’s idiosyncratic star power, and as an extremely tall, wet-dog-handsome instrumental virtuoso with a one-of-a-kind voice and just enough self-aware wit and lacerating lyricism to keep it relatable, that’s indisputable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dog

Browse Nearby Words

crests
cretin
cretinous
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Cite this Entry

“Cretin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cretin. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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