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retarded Synonyms

Another word for retarded

Choosing another word for retarded depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Very foolish, absurd, or illogical (derogatory slang).

Usage Example

"He was reprimanded for using a derogatory slang word to call the new policy idiotic."

Strongest
idiotic
moronic
Strong
stupid
asinine
foolish
absurd
ridiculous

• adjective (Context 2)

Less advanced in mental, physical, or social development than is usual for one's age (formerly a clinical term, now dated and offensive).

Usage Example

"Older medical textbooks often used the term 'mentally underdeveloped' before modern diagnostic standards adopted 'intellectually disabled'."

Strong
underdeveloped

• adjective (Context 3)

Slowed down, impeded, or delayed in progress, development, or physical movement (used in formal, technical, or scientific contexts).

Usage Example

"The seedlings showed delayed growth due to the prolonged lack of sunlight and nutrients."

Strongest
delayed
Strong
stunted
impeded
hindered
arrested
inhibited

• verb (Context 4)

To delay or hold back in terms of progress, development, or accomplishment (past tense and past participle of 'retard').

Usage Example

"The sudden drop in temperature delayed the chemical reaction in the laboratory experiment."

Strongest
delayed
slowed
Strong
impeded
hindered
inhibited
hampered
checked

Opposites of retarded

The opposite of retarded shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

accelerated
expedited
sensible
brilliant
intelligent
hastened
advanced
wise
See all opposites of retarded

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Retarded. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/retarded
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