BETISE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

bêtise

noun

bā-ˈtēz

Definition of bêtise

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bêtise

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

Yates was eventually found not guilty by reason of insanity and remains committed to a state mental health facility.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Ulrich plays the enigmatic and manipulative cult leader, who pleads insanity and claims to be taking his commands directly from God.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 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

The broader opportunity costs of the United States’ Middle Eastern follies are even more insidious.

— Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
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

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

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Browse Nearby Words

betimes

bêtise

bêtises

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“Bêtise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtise. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bêtise

noun

Example Sentences

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