imbecility

noun

ˌim-bə-ˈsi-lə-tē How to pronounce imbecility (audio)
Definition of imbecilitynext
1
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
2
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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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 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
  1. insanity
  2. madness
  3. idiocy
  4. simplicity
  5. absurdity
  6. stupidity
Noun
  • To put my whole psyche, insecurities, anecdotes, family, community, insanity out there in a show in this way.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 July 2026
  • Colt did not have any signs of insanity, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, Richards said.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • Except none of it was true — and the real perpetrator behind the madness wasn’t who anyone suspected.
    — Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • Their win was a victory for method over the madness that always threatened to be Argentina’s undoing.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of madness
Noun
  • No one wants the distraction of bizarre and disturbing behavior, of internet idiocy or civil lawsuits.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • And when Torres scored, Fernandez's idiocy only came into greater focus.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of idiocy
Noun
  • Delicate Japanese simplicity prevails while leaving whispers of the original French palatial style—such as distinctive moldings that are unique to the building.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In general, higher-performing LED systems dominate the top of the ratings, while older halogen designs tend to cluster at the bottom, constrained by lower output and less precise beam control, despite offering advantages in simplicity and cost.
    — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • Laughter reframes these experiences from tragedy to absurdity, helping individuals push back against negative aging stereotypes.
    — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • And there’s an absurdity to that scene, which Daeron is feeling just in the shock of it in itself.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • That’s only made worse by the fact that it’s treated as some kind of grand betrayal rather than an impulsive act of youthful stupidity that will make for a good story one day.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
  • Condor, Newton and Hiraga do their best to make Max’s actions believable, but her stubborn stupidity eventually requires more suspension of belief than a highly vindictive shark prowling a freshwater cave right next to the ocean.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of stupidity

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imbecilities
imbecility
imbibe
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Cite this Entry

“Imbecility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imbecility. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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