dud 1 of 2

noun

ˈdəd How to pronounce dud (audio)
Definition of dudnext
1
as in disaster
something that has failed our first attempt was a complete dud, so we had to start over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clothes
duds plural covering for the human body those are some pretty fancy duds you're wearing

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in things
duds plural transportable items that one owns you have one hour to pack up your duds and clear out of here

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dud

2 of 2

adjective

as in defective

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 dud
Noun
Meanwhile, the president met with Netanyahu and Zelensky, the Democrats are making hay over the Iran war, and the Fauci hearing seemed to be a dud. — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026 There is only one outright creative dud in the mix — 2007’s Spider-Man 3. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Adjective
In a dud finale against the Detroit Lions in 1991, Wolford got rolled up and suffered a high-ankle sprain that hobbled him throughout the postseason. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2026 Duplass’ Michael is a dud, sorta sweet but totally spineless. — Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dud
  1. disaster
  2. clothing
  3. things
  4. defective
  5. failure
  6. dress
  7. stuff
  8. unsatisfactory
Noun
  • Sceye and SoftBank used an emergency alert system designed for large-scale disasters.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The scale of the disaster has proved challenging for authorities, with morgues overwhelmed by a large number of unidentified remains.
    — Andrew Jones, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • Other secret variants included simplified, unsharpened ones to be dropped to resistance fighters that would hide their origin, as well as special small versions or ones with rings in the handle so they could be sewn into clothing or boots.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Few people want to invest in pricier clothing, bespoke interior design services, or luxury furnishings without ever talking with a live person.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clothing
Noun
  • You could be tempted to dismiss a creative venture or categorize a social invite as frivolous, all because there are more productive things to do.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The curved back is another nice touch that keeps things modern and fresh.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of things
Adjective
  • That is why intentionally defective grantor trusts, or IDGTs, remain useful.
    — Michael Gold CFP, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Caused by a defective gene for an enzyme that breaks down the carbohydrate heparan sulfate, it is characterized by a buildup of toxic material in tissues, including brain cells.
    — Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of defective
Noun
  • The failures resulted in a divorce during the offseason and this exhibition game at Hard Rock Stadium was the first time the couple happened to be at the same place at the same time since the split.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • For five months, these players have underperformed, much to the chagrin of their front offices and the fans, who repeatedly boo their failures.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • Johansson recounted how, during one studio session, Saab picked up a single piece of black fabric and twisted, turned, and draped it into a bustier dress right on the mannequin.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The minimalist shape pairs well with jeans, loungewear, and even dresses.
    — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dress
Noun
  • Aesha sends Kayley to deal with it, but a regular sink plunger can’t do the job — Nathan has to suction the stuff out with the wet vacuum.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That foul ball, no foul ball in the fourth inning changes stuff, too.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of stuff
Adjective
  • Within minutes of Hochul's remarks, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued subpoenas to law enforcement agencies that either did not confirm plans to unwind their agreements, or whose responses were deemed unsatisfactory.
    — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Babcock Park Pool received an unsatisfactory rating in January for a similar equipment violation.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsatisfactory

Browse Nearby Words

ducts
dud
dude
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dud. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All