1
as in stupid
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
foolish people who thought that the world would end in the year 2000 a foolish scheme that was supposed to make us all rich
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2
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
foolish attempts to construct a perpetual motion machine
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in small
lacking importance
the current regulations are cluttered with foolish details that are unnecessarily burdensome
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foolish
In the end, Harris lost the opportunity to campaign for votes in key states, looked foolish in doing so, and got zero from her Joe Rogan experience.
—
Amie Parnes, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Now, no one here is foolish enough to think MLSE is going to lower its food and beer prices just because.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
To fail to do so is foolish, reckless and damning for their children’s life and future.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up adding generational talents such as Jeanty.
—Omar Kelly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foolish
Amie Parnes, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Now, no one here is foolish enough to think MLSE is going to lower its food and beer prices just because.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
To fail to do so is foolish, reckless and damning for their children’s life and future.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up adding generational talents such as Jeanty.
—Omar Kelly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foolish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolish
Adjective
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Making stupid internet fodder has never been easier than now, with the prevalence of AI image generators making everything from deepfakes to memes.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2025
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Much like the stupid prions wreaking havoc in his brain.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But Stewart lived at the top of their board when on the clock at No. 17 — not just because of his 10.0 Relative Athletic Score or absurd combine workout.—
Paul Dehner Jr.,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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This week’s episode tackles the minefield of casting, as execs melt down over the racial politics of casting their absurd Kool-Aid tentpole.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Although set in the small city, the movie was reportedly filmed in several locations in Louisiana.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Consider connecting with a public library, small book store or educational sectors willing to donate titles that support healing and wellness to add to the community library.—
Sahmie S. Wytewa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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But many will, in situations where they’re allowed to stretch out, go deep, get silly, or eat hot wings while trying to answer questions.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
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Have a Dance Party Clear the furniture, cue up a playlist with all of Mom's favorite hits (and a few silly, kid-friendly jams), and let loose.—
Laura Broadwell,
Parents,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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The presentation starts with teaching the compliment sandwich technique, but quickly goes off the rails as the participants ask more bizarre questions.—
Rosa Escandon,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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Heti’s writing is witty, reflective, and just bizarre enough to capture your interest even as people mill about in your peripheral vision.—
Bekah Waalkes,
The Atlantic,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Three have been discharged, including two who sustained minor injuries while responding to the scene.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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The toddlers had suffered puncture wounds and lacerations to their arms and legs, while an 18-year-old woman also had a minor injury to her arm, the release stated.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Gotta start earlier, and maybe involve OG mad Bridges more.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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Told the victim was mad because the suspect stepped on his shoes, Torre said the right thing to do would have been to wipe his shoes clean and walk away.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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The emu egg—a two pound, eight-inch ovoid with a sultry teal shell gently speckled in pale green—seemed like just the right absurdist final flourish for an already insane endeavor.—
Helen Rosner,
The New Yorker,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foolish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolish. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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