Definition of witlessnext
1
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily a dog so witless that it is barely trainable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 witless Gavras and Arbery may have other, more singular aims in mind, hidden beneath all the obvious skewering of witless wealth. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 Austin doesn't even seem to register his witless neighbor's lack of social skills until Craig punches his lights out—supposedly in fun—during a guys' night get-together. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 9 May 2025 Bruno Guimaraes made it 4-1 when Joelinton intercepted a witless clearance from Altay Bayindir. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 But this latest effort, premiering on Prime Video, proves a relentlessly vulgar and witless affair that not even the talents of stars Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon and a comedically gifted supporting cast can rescue. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for witless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witless
Adjective
  • Not all blondes are dumb, don’t judge a book by its cover, yada yada yada, lo and behold, Reese Witherspoon is a certified movie star.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2026
  • Though Cady has made some gestures toward helping the Bowdens, like his behind-the-scenes effort to get one of Anna’s death-row clients exonerated last week, Tom and Anna should not be so dumb as to ignore his ulterior motives.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • What to expect over the weekend Though Friday was expected to be the slowest day of the competition, the atmosphere at Cal Expo was anything but dull.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • Some residents are calling for civilian volunteers to help clear debris, frustrated by the slow pace of the rescue operations.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Further, Plato’s disdain for Gorgias, Antisthenes’ first teacher, and sophistry in general is clear; in the Platonic dialogue Gorgias, the titular character is made out to be rather foolish.
    Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • One is villianized and one is made to look foolish.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
    Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Over the years, the visuals dramatically improve, from snuff film aesthetics to confidently silly splendor.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • The Alexa smart assistant is as good as ever, with tons of useful and silly skills, along with deep integration for ordering items via Amazon.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Let’s hope that George Santayana’s warning to those ignorant of history about the past repeating itself makes an exception for our present Defense Department.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • And then there are amateur collectors like me, who might not know ironstone from porcelain, but whose last day on earth could be spent touching old objects in ignorant bliss.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 41-year-old is still an elite NBA player, which is still an absurd reality to consider.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • The thesis rests on a claim that would have sounded absurd a year ago.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Witless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witless. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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