BÊTISE 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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for bêtise

Noun

That’s 38 more opportunities for horrific pitching, lifeless hitting and mental blunders galore.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Guerrero looked to capitalize on the blunder and took off for third base.

— Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of blunder

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

Clancy, 36, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to three counts of murder in the killings of her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
While known as lacking criminal responsibility under Massachusetts law, the defense is more commonly referred to as not guilty by reason of insanity.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of insanity

Noun

The idea that any neighborhood can insulate itself from the effects of demand that far outstrips supply is folly.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 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 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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betimes

bêtise

bêtises

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“Bêtise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtise. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bêtise

noun

Example Sentences

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