1
as in lunatic
a person who lacks good sense or judgment
some half-wit had left the gate open, and all the sheep had gotten loose
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2
as in idiot
a stupid person
even a half-wit knows that ice cream melts if it's not in the freezer
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Recent Examples of half-wit
If one president can pardon his half-brother, then another president can pardon his half-wit son.
—
Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 8 June 2024
Aerial mishaps and half-wit actors turn a fantasy classic into a farce.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2023
Beau’s brother, Peanut (Kevin Cahoon), a fraction of a half-wit, fires off bullet lists of random jokes for no apparent reason.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2023
Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 8 June 2024
Aerial mishaps and half-wit actors turn a fantasy classic into a farce.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2023
Beau’s brother, Peanut (Kevin Cahoon), a fraction of a half-wit, fires off bullet lists of random jokes for no apparent reason.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-wit
Noun
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Presidents fought an undeclared war against Afghanistan for two decades costing $2.3 trillion on a fool’s errand concluding in a defeat by the Taliban.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
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The Lakers’ No. 1 defense over a 24-game stretch from mid-January through early March was fool’s gold, with Hayes’ play being the most unsustainable part.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Sometimes too stupid is actually smartski but sometimes is just stupid stupid.—
Caroline Downey,
National Review,
27 Mar. 2025
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An underrated gem — not enough people have seen this top-tier season — Squirrels Trip has some fabulous vocals, very funny lyrics, a heavy dose of stupid, and an engaging story.—
Barry Levitt,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That means if someone comes across an injured or orphaned goose or wants to relocate a goose, that person would need a permit to handle it, Nitschke said.—
Morgan Severson,
CNN Money,
25 Apr. 2025
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As hunting dogs, golden retrievers helped retrieve game, such as ducks or geese, from bushes, cliffs and water.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Half-wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-wit. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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