fiddle-faddle

noun

ˈfi-dᵊl-ˌfa-dᵊl How to pronounce fiddle-faddle (audio)
Definition of fiddle-faddlenext
as in nonsense
language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense a grandmother who routinely pooh-poohed the advice of the so-called experts in child care as so much fiddle-faddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fiddle-faddle Maybe this premise sounds like pseudo-philosophical fiddle-faddle. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fiddle-faddle
  1. nonsense
  2. garbage
  3. nuts
  4. rubbish
  5. silliness
  6. stupidity
  7. blah
  8. drool
Noun
  • Halo 4, 5, and Infinite used sci-fi nonsense to transform him into this larger-than-life figure, rendering the rest of the UNSC largely powerless in the process.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • These accusations are utter nonsense, concocted from distortions, half-truths and lies.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of nonsense
Noun
  • What makes a successful scooper Professional scoopers typically use basic tools like a rake, a dustpan lined with a garbage bag and a garden sprayer to sanitize tools in between jobs.
    — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Pan Yan The substance is integrated into a transparent, medium-sized insert designed to fit onto a garbage bin lid.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of garbage
Noun
  • Healthy ingredients like nuts and fresh fruit are often just a garnish or topping.
    — Anahad O’Connor, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • My sweet potato casserole recipe swaps the nuts for crispy, sweet-and-salty cornflakes—the marshmallows can stay.
    — Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of nuts
Noun
  • Twisted Teens are far from rubbish, but that isn't stopping them from playing in the trash for their latest music video.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This comes at the expense of no movement in the wrist, but to be fair, having the lightsaber pointed in any other direction would look rubbish.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of rubbish
Noun
  • Mandell never let his artistic seriousness stand in the way of his silliness.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silliness
Noun
  • Learning that countless more people will lose their lives on account of his neglect, greed, and stupidity, he is pressed, reluctantly, into a most self-serving mode of damage control.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Nerdiest song for drummers This will probably come down to stupidity.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of stupidity
Noun
  • Trying to make Netflix into YouTube or Spotify continues to strike me as… blah.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Sure, the Strip is thriving and there are football games to attend and Metallica is in town, blah, blah, blah.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of blah
Noun
  • Why washable sofa covers matter for pet owners A sofa that doubles as a dog bed collects fur, drool and the occasional accident.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • It’s filled with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate pieces with drool-worthy flavors like raspberry ganache, chocolate lava cake, strawberry cheesecake, salted caramel, vanilla dream, and more.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of drool

Browse Nearby Words

fiddled (with)
fiddle-faddle
fiddle-footed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fiddle-faddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fiddle-faddle. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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