BÊTISES Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

bêtises

noun

plural of bêtise

as in fopperies

a foolish act or idea writing a sequel to a Jane Austen novel must be regarded as a literary bêtise of the highest order

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for bêtises

Noun

Working with Chhaya clients who were facing foreclosure, Mamdani got an intimate look at the little insanities of the city’s housing crisis.

— Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025

Definition of insanities

Noun

Woeful may have undercut the reality of the Lakers’ first-half shooting blunders from distance.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
Despite the blunders, TCU led 14-10 at halftime and had a chance to extend the lead on the first possession of the second half.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of blunders

Noun

Compounded by the sudden passing of Lily’s grandfather—which renders her initial motivation to study Mandarin moot—these follies only deepen beneath a veil of complicated mourning.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
The broader opportunity costs of the United States’ Middle Eastern follies are even more insidious.

— Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of follies

Noun

To expose the assumptions, prejudices and absurdities of those interacting with them in the real world — whether on the right or left, in a position of tremendous power or someone off the street.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
Even amid so many absurdities, one of the strangest things that happens this week is Rainbeau suddenly developing an English accent.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of absurdities

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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bêtise

bêtises

be (to)

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“Bêtises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtises. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of bêtises

noun

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