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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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 This fatuous facial gesture is immediately relatable but also, as Locke discusses below, one that can be read in a number of different ways. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024 Schools must accept that mission statements without curriculum alignment are fatuous; the way schools define themselves is through the experience that flows from their curriculum. Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for fatuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatuous
Adjective
  • Friendships built on insecurity, where men constantly have to prove their manhood, are a breeding ground for toxic attitudes and stupid decision-making.
    Terry Ward, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Also, his team told him over the radio, basically, don’t do anything stupid, Nato is going to be penalized for not using all his Attack Mode.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 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
  • 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
  • Still, the sexist double standards around pockets have continued to be present in absurd ways.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The building Celine now occupies what used to be a slow pop-up for Dior and Loro Piana.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Of the slow, unsexy work of loving someone even in the worst times.
    Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 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
  • Call it luck, fate or a silly coincidence, but 4/20 and Easter Sunday fall on the same day this year.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Will people be more open and accept that a simple, inexpensive date isn’t the sign of low effort but rather a reflection of the economy none of us asked for?
    Myisha Battle, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Its second life on streaming has guided new viewers to the simple charms of one of the best mystery shows of all time.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And jingoism, idiotic, is not patriotism.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But, here, the characters suffer from the horror film syndrome of making one idiotic decision after another because that’s what the film requires to send the action in its intended direction.
    Scott Phillips, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fatuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatuous. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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