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Definitions

asinine

[as-uh-nahyn] / ˈæs əˌnaɪn /
ADJECTIVE
senseless
Synonyms
WEAK
absurd cretinous daft foolish half-witted idiotic inane moronic silly sophomoric stupid

Usage

What are other ways to say asinine? The adjective asinine originally meant like an ass; it applies to witlessly stupid conversations or conduct and suggests a lack of social grace or perception: He failed to notice the reaction to his asinine remarks. Foolish implies a lack of common sense or good judgment or, sometimes, a weakness of mind: a foolish decision; The child seems foolish. Fatuous implies being not only foolish, dull, and vacant in mind, but complacent and highly self-satisfied as well: fatuous and self-important; fatuous answers. Silly denotes extreme and conspicuous foolishness; it may also refer to pointlessness of jokes, remarks, etc.: silly and senseless behavior; a perfectly silly statement. Inane applies to silliness that is notably lacking in content, sense, or point: inane questions that leave one with no reply. Stupid implies natural slowness or dullness of intellect, or, sometimes, a benumbed or dazed state of mind; it is also used to mean foolish or silly: He was rendered stupid by a blow; It is stupid to do such a thing. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The story struck the FBI as asinine — agents just did not act that way — but could it be disproved?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

I smiled politely; I found the remark asinine; I resolved to work it into conversation as soon as possible.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2024

Because, well, of course the solicitor general is not making such an asinine argument.

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2024

Rogan's asinine podcast is a good example of the form.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2024

“I’ve been coming here for three freakin’ weeks, trying to beat that stupid lich at that asinine game!

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Vocabulary lists containing asinine

A Lexical Zoo of Animal Adjectives

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Grade 11, List 6

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Dear Martin

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