silly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsi-lē How to pronounce silly (audio)
Definition of sillynext
1
as in goofy
lacking in seriousness or maturity the matinee show was filled with a bunch of silly children making noise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stupid
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment those silly movie producers who thought that audiences would fall for that gimmick all over again

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ridiculous
so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter had the silly notion that her latest marriage might last longer than her three previous ones

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bewildered
suffering from mental confusion stunning news that knocked me silly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

silly

2 of 2

noun

as in simpleton

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word silly different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of silly are asinine, fatuous, foolish, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

In what contexts can asinine take the place of silly?

In some situations, the words asinine and silly are roughly equivalent. However, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When is it sensible to use fatuous instead of silly?

Although the words fatuous and silly have much in common, fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When could foolish be used to replace silly?

The words foolish and silly can be used in similar contexts, but foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When would simple be a good substitute for silly?

The words simple and silly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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 silly
Adjective
Smile 2 manages to be a fun continuation of the silly premise established by its 2022 predecessor, proving that the concept of a creepy smile demon can be taken in creative new directions. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 The conversations used to be silly, targeted entirely around the holidays, but Tommy eventually became a pen pal and even a therapy chair, Hadley often sending notes off to the North Pole long after Santa’s work for the season was done. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
The glamorous Emmy winner known for Loewe red-carpet looks and starring on prestige dramedy The Bear is returning to full-bore silly in order to play America’s favorite beagle. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 It was shot in portrait because it was shot in Instagram by and for a woman who was losing her mind in quarantine and had fully let the sillies take the wheel. — Ego Nwodim, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for silly
  1. goofy
  2. stupid
  3. ridiculous
  4. bewildered
  5. simpleton
  6. giddy
  7. foolish
  8. absurd
Adjective
  • So when Billie and Issa get an actual offer for drinks with two firefighters who come to the house, Billie puts on a goofy British accent à la Issa and turns them down, choosing a quiet night at home with her friend instead.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That was therapeutic for these professional dancers who got to be silly and goofy, but confidently.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of goofy
Adjective
  • Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy.
    — Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • Some are quieter this year, some are almost ridiculous, but all of them share a strange sense of purpose.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Fashion history has a funny way of vindicating the people brave enough to look ridiculous.
    — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ridiculous
Adjective
  • That bewildered shake of the head after Meyer's pitch in that video is not a rare occurrence for Raleigh this year.
    — Eno Sarris, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • On Douban, a popular Chinese movie-review platform, viewers piled on with mocking and bewildered comments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of bewildered
Noun
  • His last moments portray him too much as an oafish simpleton, which undercuts both Leela’s brilliance and Krish’s leadership instincts, and moves the the play towards devices that prioritize humor over organic truth.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Max initially dismisses Becky, a college dropout turned temp, as a bubbly simpleton, far below his intellectual rank.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
Definition of simpleton
Adjective
  • The attendees were hip, all ages, and slightly giddy, ready to have whales blow their minds.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Newcomers Álvarez and Knight couldn’t be better in their newlywed roles, convincing in their giddy love scenes, their casual affections, their unwanted suspicions and, most of all, their terror at whatever is lurking in the air and in their souls.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of giddy
Adjective
  • When his splitter is at its best, Cruz makes opposing hitters look foolish.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But Americans would be foolish to think that Washington is anywhere near solving this problem.
    — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of foolish
Adjective
  • The Appalachian Trail is absolutely brutal The distance alone is obviously absurd, but mileage is only part of what makes the AT such a beast.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The selection process does not judge whether a study is admirable or absurd, good or bad.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of absurd

Phrases Containing silly

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sills
silly
silt
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Cite this Entry

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

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