SCATTERBRAINED Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

scatterbrained

adjective

ˈska-tər-ˌbrānd

Definition of scatterbrained

as in goofy

lacking in seriousness or maturity a scatterbrained child who couldn't seem to pay attention or stop fooling around

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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 scatterbrained Susan Blanchard co-starred as Tina Kelly, his scatterbrained housekeeper. — Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The novel begins on a Monday afternoon like any other at its three adolescent central characters’ loving but scatterbrained aunt Xía’s house in Miami. — Juan Vidal, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, Hudson turns up her ditz-o-meter to 11, twirling and screaming her way through a performance that should remind Hollywood of her singular scatterbrained talents. — Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2022 Trying to stay organized can be a real pain, especially for those of us who may be a bit scatterbrained. — Chris Hachey, BGR, 22 June 2021 President Biden had another dismal week thanks to the accelerating border crisis, the beginnings of his assault on the Second Amendment, Vice President Kamala Harris’s behavior and his scatterbrained performance at a Thursday news conference. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2021 Sadat cast Afghan nonactors to paint a scatterbrained picture of parentless adolescence, and outstanding production design immerses us in this historical remembrance. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2021 Donald Moffat is superb as a president who masks his ferocity with scatterbrained folksiness. — Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatterbrained

Adjective

Some Latinas are nerds, and some Latinas are quirky, and some of them are goofy and some of them are clumsy.

— Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The opening chase scene is gorgeously animated, the kind of sequence that makes Common Side Effects distinct visual style that is at once both goofy and realistic so mesmerizing to watch.

— Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of goofy

Adjective

But seeing my parents examining themselves in that way and connecting with people and putting themselves in vulnerable and silly and meaningful situations.

— Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
That scene was always the silliest in the American version, and its absence in the international edition was a wise choice.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

However, between a two-game injury absence for Gaines and Riley taking it to another gear, the 5-foot-10 running back is now giving Bronco fans giddy memories of 2024 Ashton Jeanty.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
This story of an artificial intelligence in extreme existential crisis is primarily constructed for MCU superfans, the kind who get giddy over Easter eggs and can recite reams of backstory minutiae off the top of their domes.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of giddy

Adjective

Adelaide’s music had become an argument, however futile, with finality.

— Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Before the court fight was launched, Edwin Benn, the arbitrator who oversaw 2023 contract negotiations between the city and FOP, warned the City Council that any attempt to undermine his award to the union would be futile.

— Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of futile

Browse Nearby Words

scatterbrain

scatterbrained

scatterbrains

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“Scatterbrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatterbrained. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scatterbrained

adjective

Example Sentences

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