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Definitions

foolish

[foo-lish] / ˈfu lɪʃ /


Usage

What are other ways to say foolish? The adjective foolish implies a lack of common sense or good judgment or, sometimes, a weakness of mind: a foolish decision; The child seems foolish. Fatuous implies being not only foolish, dull, and vacant in mind, but complacent and highly self-satisfied as well: fatuous and self-important; fatuous answers. Silly denotes extreme and conspicuous foolishness; it may also refer to pointlessness of jokes, remarks, etc.: silly and senseless behavior; a perfectly silly statement. Inane applies to silliness that is notably lacking in content, sense, or point: inane questions that leave one with no reply. Stupid implies natural slowness or dullness of intellect, or, sometimes, a benumbed or dazed state of mind; it is also used to mean foolish or silly: He was rendered stupid by a blow; It is stupid to do such a thing. Asinine originally meant like an ass; it applies to witlessly stupid conversations or conduct and suggests a lack of social grace or perception: He failed to notice the reaction to his asinine remarks.

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.

Go through the account activity together, framing it as a routine check rather than accusing him of being foolish or incompetent.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Hatosy’s Titus is the Danforths’ disappointing fail son and the actor keeps his face in a delightfully foolish little pout.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

“It would be foolish to ignore the full distribution of geopolitical risk,” writes Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, global chief economist at Boston Consulting Group.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

"Iranians aren't warmongers or foolish - they've just suffered so much that they've reached their limit, and all they want is a normal life."

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

She had a home to live in, and a family that loved her, and two new best friends who were foolish and brave and wonderful.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack