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Definitions

foolishness

[foo-lish-nis] / ˈfu lɪʃ nɪs /
NOUN
idiocy, nonsense
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absurdity bunk craziness folly indiscretion insanity irrationality irresponsibility lunacy rubbish silliness stupidity
STRONG
absurdness claptrap foolery impracticality imprudence inanity insensibility mistake poppycock senselessness tommyrot twaddle unwiseness weakness
WEAK
carrying-on dumb trick fool trick horse feathers ludicrousness preposterousness unreasonableness witlessness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
judgment sense wisdom
WEAK
care carefulness caution circumspection prudence seriousness thoughtfulness wiseness

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.

Was it a calculated risk or stubborn foolishness?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

Mr. Clooney has never had a better role, and he burrows deeply into it with a self-interrogating combination of narcissism, foolishness, bravado and charisma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

But even if a sketch doesn’t quite work, you could rest in knowing its discomfort is temporary, with the irritant or foolishness changing every few minutes.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2025

Diomande's act of foolishness just put the tin hat on it.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

It was a matter that concerned him a good deal, for the giving of names in his family was always surrounded by what he believed to be monumental foolishness.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison