Definition of foolishnext
1
2
3

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 An indeterminate end to a foolish war leaves Americans more disillusioned than ever with engagement in the Middle East. Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Meanwhile, Aaron Boone stood by with the same type of facial expression a father makes when their kid does something foolish. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 It’s presented without winks or nudges, neither as a joke nor necessarily foolish. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 If the target was foolish enough to reuse passwords, credential thefts like these could enable the compromise of more important accounts. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foolish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolish
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Blending historical facts and patriotic myths, the works offer a vibrant, playful and sometimes absurd look at events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Washington crossing the Delaware.
    Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • As tensions rise and panic sets in, the sisters are forced into a painful and increasingly absurd fight for survival before the homeowner returns.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Name the worry out loud, then choose a small boundary that protects your energy, such as turning off notifications during a demanding task.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
  • People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International.
    Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Over the years, the visuals dramatically improve, from snuff film aesthetics to confidently silly splendor.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • The Alexa smart assistant is as good as ever, with tons of useful and silly skills, along with deep integration for ordering items via Amazon.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a bizarre scene at the ceremony, his troops stood at attention as Ríos addressed them in a live video feed from a Bogotá prison.
    John Otis, NPR, 21 June 2026
  • This has produced a toxic and bizarre backlash.
    Tom Deignan, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The driver of the pickup suffered minor injuries and declined the offer to be transported to a nearby hospital.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • After signing a minor-league deal earlier in the month, outfielder Jarred Kelenic was entered into the Texas Rangers’ starting lineup in the 6-4 extra-innings loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday at Globe Life Field.
    Cal Phillips, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Initially skeptical, Tom becomes increasingly paranoid after a sailor who got lost in the fog essentially goes mad, with his eyes turning white just before dying.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 June 2026
  • Relative bargain Please do not be mad at me for relaying this insurance math.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 8 laptop shows up ready to work with a snappy Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, insane 32GB of RAM, and spacious 2TB SSD in its (figurative) briefcase.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026
  • Eventually, though, Lestat breaks, coming clean about his tumultuous past with first lover Nicolas de Lenfent (Joseph Potter), who went insane after being attacked by Armand (Assad Zaman) in Paris in the late 18th century.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foolish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolish. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on foolish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster