Meaning & use

silly

adjective·Everyday

Lacking good sense or judgment; foolish, trivial, or lighthearted in a way that invites mild amusement.

See it in a sentence

It felt silly to argue over which restaurant to pick when both menus looked identical.

The children giggled and played a silly game of tag until dinner was ready.

A note on using this word

Silly is casual and often affectionate rather than harsh; use foolish or ridiculous for a sharper, more critical tone.

Words with a similar meaning

foolishfrivolousabsurd

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Dazed, stunned, or lacking full awareness, especially as a result of a blow or shock.

The boxer was hit so hard that he was knocked silly for a moment.

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