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Synonym Chooser

How is the word foolish different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of foolish are asinine, fatuous, silly, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

Where would asinine be a reasonable alternative to foolish?

The words asinine and foolish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When could fatuous be used to replace foolish?

The words fatuous and foolish can be used in similar contexts, but fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When is it sensible to use silly instead of foolish?

Although the words silly and foolish have much in common, silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

When is simple a more appropriate choice than foolish?

The meanings of simple and foolish largely overlap; however, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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 foolish Many of the angel families here today were betrayed by the last administration and with its heartless, and foolish, and really very arrogant and dumb policies. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Walking away from that security might have seemed foolish at the time, but twelve years later, King runs a digital empire that has redefined entertainment. Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The argument proved to be foolish, as evidenced in the first days’ sloppiness. Philip Elliott, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025 We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama's promise to us has been broken. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foolish 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolish
Adjective
  • Republicans have blasted Democrats over the years for talking down to people, with several arguing the average voter does not like to feel stupid.
    Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
  • That’s the one thing that gets me is when my players are hurt on stupid plays like that.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This gorgeous film’s premise is a simple, humanist, and not particularly dramatic one, of the type that the Italian neorealists treasured, but it’s been given an absurd, comic-romantic spin.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
  • These absurd names and acronyms speak to both the cult-y side of the Eagans and to the ways that corporations keep trying to reinvent things, words included, that worked just fine as is.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The pig’s mouth revealed its ordinary sharp, tusk-like canines saddled up beside smaller, slightly more human-looking teeth nubs.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Negative thinking focuses all our thoughts and energy inward which in turn creates a small and narrow focus.
    Sandy Thibault, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Sophia Smith, a Colorado kid whose commute from Windsor and dedication to soccer makes my story look silly, is making more than $500,000 a year in her new contract with the Portland Thorns, and reports say her outside contracts and sponsorships are worth another $1.2 million.
    Megan Schrader, The Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2025
  • The way bacon is packaged in this country is silly.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The bizarre clip, reportedly shot with an iPhone, featured West in a dentist’s chair asking people to go to the website.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Certainly, the eccentric characters and bizarre situations in his novels reflect a hallucinatory vision.
    Tom Vitale, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There are lots of sets, lots of little minor character roles, and the first 15 minutes are full of other characters and stories.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Activity does increase digestive activity in the body, which may alleviate minor gastrointestinal concerns.
    Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Alternatively, Danielle is mad at Boston Rob, crying about voting out Bob the Drag Queen, and trying to get out my queen Carolyn.
    Ana Osorno, Them, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The project stars Oscar Isaac as the titular mad scientist and Jacob Elordi as his monstrous creation, and also features Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Your voice is insane.
    Mary Colurso | mcolurso@al.com, al, 4 Apr. 2023
  • But obviously winning the grand jury prize was insane.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near foolish

Cite this Entry

“Foolish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolish. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foolish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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