PHILISTINISM Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

philistinism

noun

as in idiocy

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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 philistinism Fascism lives in the upside-down; professional gaslighting features heavily amongst its weaponry, along with the blinking philistinism of the soulless. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026 Despite such official philistinism, Proust had already left an enduring mark on Irish letters and would remain a source of literary inspiration for the nation’s writers into the twenty-first century. — Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for philistinism

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

The first 10 minutes are an incredible swirl of paranoia, alcoholism, and sluggish dumbness when Gould just needs to feed his cat.

— Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Unlike its sibling concepts of dumbness and idiocy, stupidity isn’t really a personality trait.

— Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of dumbness

Noun

The latest contestant in this recurring game of fiscal stupidity is Miami.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of stupidity

Noun

There’s the White House and its malicious megaphone of mindlessness; the generative AI advocates and their pushy, pathetic ploys; the Major League Baseball owners and their dedication to self-destruction.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
The show’s real villain is mindlessness, in other words.

— Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026

Definition of mindlessness

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philistines

philistinism

philosopher

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“Philistinism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/philistinism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of philistinism

noun

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