Definitions

folly

[fol-ee] / ˈfɒl i /

NOUN

nonsense, ridiculous idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurdity craziness foolishness idiocy indiscretion lunacy madness recklessness silliness stupidity

STRONG

daftness fatuity imbecility impracticality imprudence inadvisability inanity irrationality obliquity rashness senselessness triviality unsoundness vice

WEAK

dottiness dumb thing to do dumb trick preposterousness witlessness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

care carefulness intelligence sense

WEAK

judgment knowledge seriousness understanding wisdom

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gold is the color of false idolatry, the material of gratuitous wealth, a hallmark of authoritarian style, and a metaphor for the folly of prioritizing personal enrichment and glory over everything else.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

The folly of youth and the harsh realities of old age make uncomfortable bedfellows.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

As the cautionary 1945 fable “Animal Farm” memorably shows, George Orwell had some thoughts about the Soviet Union and the terrible folly in politicized moralism.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Perhaps Thucydides had something to say about the folly of war that they wouldn’t have appreciated had they remained civilians.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

‘Alas for the folly of these days!’ said Legolas.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing folly

This Week in Words: January 20 - 26, 2018

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"Common Sense," Vocabulary from the pamphlet

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Siddhartha

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