as in blunder
a foolish act or idea
writing a sequel to a Jane Austen novel must be regarded as a literary bêtise of the highest order
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bêtise
Noun
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After coalescing with ultranationalists to establish the nation's furthest right government in late 2022, the former special forces commando who had already become Israel's longest serving premier largely deflected criticism over the intelligence blunder of October 7, 2023.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025 -
Yet, the Trump White House and leading Republicans in Congress have tried mightily to put a positive spin on the colossal blunder, even as Democrats pounced on it.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Without it, the dancers might not have known the insanity of their current moment.—
Philip Tinari,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
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Smith’s attorneys argued that he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity, records show.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Pope Francis Reflects on Illness, Calls War 'Absurd' as Recovery Progresses Pope Francis said in a letter published Tuesday that his lengthy illness has given him greater clarity on the absurdity of war, renewing his call for diplomacy and stronger international institutions.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
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Her work is often the same, crackling with energy, honesty, and a sprinkle of absurdity.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Viewers cannot easily brush them off as follies and are forced to confront them as qualified competitors to traditional photos.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
The Denver Post,
17 Mar. 2025
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The worst public-health folly in American history, a total overreaction, one that the society will need generations to recover from.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The blatant stupidity of what is being done by our country‘s executive leadership is staggering.—
Lisa P. Rimland,
Hartford Courant,
17 Mar. 2025
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Ok, the seven regional trains were just travelling stupidity on my part.—
David Rae,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bêtise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/b%C3%AAtise. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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