SILLY Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

silly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsi-lē

Definition of silly next

as in goofy

lacking in seriousness or maturity the matinee show was filled with a bunch of silly children making noise

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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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as in bewildered

suffering from mental confusion stunning news that knocked me silly

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silly

2 of 2

noun

as in simpleton

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sobersides

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

Examples 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

Forty years of Sexiest Man Alive have produced some of the sexiest, silliest and striking shots of your favorite celebrity men, including John Stamos, Bradley Cooper, Milo Ventimiglia and more. —

Brendan Le, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 But while the 118 is able to save both Celeste and her mother-in-law’s final resting place, a smug Trent trips and drops the vase, an appropriate punchline to a very silly cold open. —

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024 Read more Today's talkers Take a break from the election with these silly, happy shows. —

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 Some of the stories are silly, such as a middle manager from the city who has to find a new purpose in life — daily spa visits — after his boss replaces him. —

Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for silly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for silly

Adjective

Later in the evening, the two musicians posed for photos backstage, serving up some goofy poses and clearly enjoying themselves.

Jack Irvin, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Eddie and Venom’s relationship is goofy bordering on insane, and the limitations do indeed start to show in The Last Dance.

James Grebey, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024