dingbat

noun

ˈdiŋ-ˌbat How to pronounce dingbat (audio)
Definition of dingbatnext
as in lunatic
a person who lacks good sense or judgment a dingbat who was constantly firing off nonsensical letters to the editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dingbat At this moment, though, perception is everything, and Blue Owl was viewed as a suspect parvenue to the private-credit world and a total dingbat to emphasize private equity firms. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026 Again, how can someone be so essential, so rich and, at the same time, such a dingbat? — Daniel Vergano, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2024 He was inspired to invent these elders by contemplating the oddly textured cinder blocks of a dingbat apartment on 6th Avenue in Venice. — Mark Gozonsky, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2023 One 77-year-old tenant has lived in a $824-per-month dingbat unit alongside her 56-year-old son with special needs for 40 years, the outlet reports. — Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 9 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dingbat
  1. lunatic
  2. fool
  3. goose
  4. moron
  5. maniac
Noun
  • Republicans see an opportunity here, portraying progressive and socialist Democrats as lunatics and communists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • While sane Americans were celebrating the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the lunatics in Portland, Oregon were cheering along as two men made out on a baseball field during a 'Heated Rivalry' theme night.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of lunatic
Noun
  • But don’t let the cute style fool you—this look is super practical, too.
    — Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • However, reinventing Beethoven at the Bowl, doing so following Dudamel and with little rehearsal time, could easily become a fool’s errand.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fool
Noun
  • Crown Royal whisky, goose down jackets, ice-hockey equipment and a long list of other Canadian goods could become much more expensive for American consumers.
    — Amy B Wang, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor Sheridan is Paramount's golden goose right now, creating the ultra-popular Yellowstone franchise along with a passel of other shows.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026
Definition of goose
Noun
  • God help us all if some idiot, some moron, ever put you in charge.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026
  • Mantzoukas was willing to look like a maniac and a moron in equal measure.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Definition of moron
Noun
  • Unbeknownst to the visitors, there’s an unhappy fifth party already in the house… and more than one homicidal maniac even within that small populace.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 28 July 2026
  • The odd thing about this choice is that, although the DSA’s platform is indeed chock-full of maniacal proposals, on this particular idea, the maniacs have a point.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Definition of maniac

Browse Nearby Words

ding-a-lings
dingbat
dingbats
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dingbat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dingbat. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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