bêtise

noun

bā-ˈtēz How to pronounce bêtise (audio)
Definition of bêtisenext
as in blunder
a foolish act or idea writing a sequel to a Jane Austen novel must be regarded as a literary bêtise of the highest order

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bêtise
  1. blunder
  2. insanity
  3. idiocy
  4. absurdity
  5. folly
  6. stupidity
Noun
  • But the motivations for the murders were an unplanned series of blunders designed to correct mistakes that were made.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey made an uncharacteristic defensive blunder Wednesday night.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of blunder
Noun
  • The law revised Kentucky’s insanity defense and mandatory reentry supervision rules in response to issues raised by Exantus’ case.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • If certain compounds could seemingly induce the symptoms of insanity, then perhaps insanity was a result of faulty brain chemistry—and could thus be treated with psychiatric drugs.
    — Kimon de Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • It’s been a classic staple over decades of British comedy, which from Basil Fawlty to David Brent has rejoiced in puncturing pomposity to reveal idiocy and incompetence.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The school board’s radical idiocy does not negate the state’s obligation to think about the longer haul — specifically, the structurally unbalanced budgets facing Chicago Public Schools as far as the eye can see.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of idiocy
Noun
  • Instead, the museum focuses on language, relationships, self-mockery, and life’s absurdities, with rakija served to visitors as the ultimate symbol of Balkan resilience.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Zinn also lived through some of the absurdities that Yossarian encountered.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Modi’s shock demonetization in India in 2016, which wiped out 86% of India’s currency overnight, was pure Big Player folly.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Definition of folly
Noun
  • The latest contestant in this recurring game of fiscal stupidity is Miami.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That’s only made worse by the fact that it’s treated as some kind of grand betrayal rather than an impulsive act of youthful stupidity that will make for a good story one day.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Definition of stupidity
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.

Browse Nearby Words

betimes
bêtise
bêtises
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Cite this Entry

“Bêtise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtise. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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