# dopey

/ˈdoʊpi/ (US) · /dˈəʊpi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dopey
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly, often because of medicine or lack of sleep. It can also describe someone who is acting a bit silly or foolish in a harmless way.

For teachers: characterised by a state of mental lethargy, confusion, or sluggishness, often as a side effect of medication or exhaustion. In a secondary sense, it describes a person or action that is mildly foolish or simple-minded.

## Examples

- The medicine made me feel a bit dopey and tired.
- He gave a dopey grin after waking up from his long afternoon nap, still not quite sure where he was.
- While the plot was somewhat dopey and predictable, the film's charming lead performances managed to win over even the most cynical critics.

## Synonyms

groggy, dazed, sleepy, silly, foolish, muddled

## Antonyms

alert, Sharp, awake, clearheaded

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'look', or 'seem'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.