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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 The silence, the mutual refusal to acknowledge the other man, feels foolish. Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025 Wilson also gets called a ‘simp,’ which is slang for a man who is viewed as foolish for being submissive or overly catering to his woman. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 Aug. 2025 Perhaps outright incarceration is foolish, but some responsibility should fall on the parents’ shoulders. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025 After this week, the other contestants would be foolish not to vote them out. EW.com, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foolish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolish
Adjective
  • And when Sam cooks up a truly stupid scheme to make some quick cash, there’s little doubt a heavy like Mickey isn’t going to like it.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
  • There's a fine line between stupid and clever, indeed.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no denying that catfish noodling is an absurd sport.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Barely any other media in recent times has given me an instant shock of glee or revulsion like this absurd anarcho-cartoon being stretched and squeezed to its most grotesque and wholesome clickbait limits.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Many kids find repeating these phrases satisfying, or silly, or just plain fun to say, Estevez says.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 Sep. 2025
  • There are no silly games being played.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But everything changes when a string of gruesome killings—which grow increasingly bizarre, with victims covered in rashes and found in deranged, violent states—involves his young daughter Hyo-jin (Kim Hwan-hee).
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Paxton’s interest in Paul’s plight was bizarre, obsessive and so far beyond normal operations at the attorney general’s office that the agency’s top officials struggled to convey their concerns during the hourslong meeting with two FBI agents.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The higher the position, the greater the visibility, and the more costly even minor lapses become.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Blue jumpsuits indicate an immigration infraction or a minor criminal charge; red ones denote a more serious crime.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Can decades of quotidian contentment really hold a candle to the mad blush of first love?
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Poetry walks with me each step of my mad thinking.
    Rickey Laurentiis, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Malik Heath’s insane toe-tap grab on the sideline, which was reversed after video replay review, was a massive 37-yard swing for the Packers during the drive.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • None of their other work, arguably, has had the seismic impact or inspires the same insane quotability as This Is Spinal Tap.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foolish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolish. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foolish

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