1
as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily the fatuous questions that the audience members asked after the lecture suggested to the oceanographer that they had understood little

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fatuous are asinine, foolish, silly, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When is it sensible to use asinine instead of fatuous?

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

an asinine plot

When is foolish a more appropriate choice than fatuous?

Although the words foolish and fatuous have much in common, foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

When would silly be a good substitute for fatuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to fatuous, silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

When might simple be a better fit than fatuous?

The words simple and fatuous can be used in similar contexts, but 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 fatuous Neither Berlanti nor Gilroy believe in them beyond the fatuous setup of their competitiveness with each other. Armond White, National Review, 17 July 2024 Read their fatuous decision and weep for your country. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024 This crucible reveals Costner’s true politics, the skepticism about America’s founding combined with the optimism that made both Dances with Wolves and his ecological Third World fantasy Rapa Nui into fatuous hippie visions of global conquest. Armond White, National Review, 3 July 2024 Trump delivered a torrent of lies, exaggerations, fatuous boasts, ominous threats and unrelenting slanders against America and Biden. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for fatuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatuous
Adjective
  • Amelia soon decides that stupid boys (and humans in general) aren't worth keeping around.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Sharing war plans outside U.S. government systems is the kind of offense that is almost too stupid to commit.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up adding generational talents such as Jeanty.
    Omar Kelly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Evening rush-hour commuters — who thought winter was over — felt foolish after the city was socked with a record-breaking spring snowfall.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • Still, the sexist double standards around pockets have continued to be present in absurd ways.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This whole exercise of proving the absence of antisemitism as a prerequisite to criticizing Israeli government policy is absurd.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Samsung is neck and neck with Google, but its updates are often slower and more limited on older phones.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The slowest builder finished before the one who overslept.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This strategy worked for him for about 10 years—and then began to bore him silly.
    Art Spiegelman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Props to the people who green-lit Angry Birds to give kids a silly movie about infanticide.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But an attack can be much simpler — and can stop once a user has given away their credentials.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Too many young people are making idiotic short-term financial decisions that hamper long-term success.
    Chandler Dean, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2023
  • Beyond the Lungs Two other cardiac cases impressed me — and blew away the idiotic notion that young people are immune to COVID-19.
    Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2020

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Cite this Entry

“Fatuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatuous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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