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Definitions

silly

[sil-ee] / ˈsɪl i /


Usage

What are other ways to say silly? 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

Silly, but also deeply annoying for the players, you'd imagine.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The band is best known for songs such as Jet, Silly Love Songs and Live And Let Die, the theme to the 1973 James Bond film.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

The amateur detective is determined to uncover the truth with the help of Inspector Nonsense and Constable Silly.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Larry Williams, a security guard who was working on Hollywood Boulevard one recent evening, said he hadn’t thought of Silly String since he was a teenager.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2024

Silly, she said to herself, but nevertheless she sang Kapugen’s song of the Bird Feast.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George