IMBECILITY Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

imbecility

noun

ˌim-bə-ˈsi-lə-tē

Definition of imbecility

as in insanity

a foolish act or idea was arrested for the sheer imbecility of speeding down a dark road with no headlights on

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in madness

lack of good sense or judgment we were stunned by the imbecility of the ideas presented by this once-respected biologist

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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 imbecility When Constanze reaches her breaking point, Mozart’s imbecility is exposed as fragility. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imbecility

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

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

Warchus adds that the production’s essential character, built on simplicity rather than spectacle, will not change with the move.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
The restaurant has survived mostly by word-of-mouth, Quintana said, quite a feat in today’s restaurant landscape, and its simplicity is a stand-out feature among Kansas Citians.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of simplicity

Noun

In the special, Ahdoot takes on post-breakup fitness, foodie culture, dating, family and the absurdity of becoming a minor celebrity to children.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Instead, the museum focuses on language, relationships, self-mockery, and life’s absurdities, with rakija served to visitors as the ultimate symbol of Balkan resilience.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of absurdity

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imbecilities

imbecility

imbibe

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“Imbecility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imbecility. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of imbecility

noun

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