FOOLISH Synonyms: 243 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'foolish' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of foolish are asinine , fatuous , silly , and simple . While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense. // foolish stunts

Q: Where would 'asinine' be a reasonable alternative to 'foolish'?

The words asinine and foolish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception. // an asinine plot

Q: When could 'fatuous' be used to replace 'foolish'?

The words fatuous and foolish can be used in similar contexts, but fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality. // fatuous conspiracy theories

Q: When is it sensible to use 'silly' instead of 'foolish'?

Although the words silly and foolish have much in common, silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior. // the silly antics of revelers

Q: When is 'simple' a more appropriate choice than 'foolish'?

The meanings of simple and foolish largely overlap; however, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort. // considered people simple who had trouble with computers

foolish

adjective

ˈfü-lish

Definition of foolish next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in absurd

conceived or made without regard for reason or reality foolish attempts to construct a perpetual motion machine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

lacking importance the current regulations are cluttered with foolish details that are unnecessarily burdensome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word foolish different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of foolish are asinine, fatuous, silly, and simple. While all these words mean "actually or apparently deficient in intelligence," foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense.

foolish stunts

Where would asinine be a reasonable alternative to foolish?

The words asinine and foolish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception.

an asinine plot

When could fatuous be used to replace foolish?

The words fatuous and foolish can be used in similar contexts, but fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality.

fatuous conspiracy theories

When is it sensible to use silly instead of foolish?

Although the words silly and foolish have much in common, silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior.

the silly antics of revelers

When is simple a more appropriate choice than foolish?

The meanings of simple and foolish largely overlap; however, simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort.

considered people simple who had trouble with computers

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 foolish Many of the angel families here today were betrayed by the last administration and with its heartless, and foolish, and really very arrogant and dumb policies. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Walking away from that security might have seemed foolish at the time, but twelve years later, King runs a digital empire that has redefined entertainment. —

Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The argument proved to be foolish, as evidenced in the first days’ sloppiness. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025 We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama's promise to us has been broken. —

Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foolish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolish

Adjective

Some of the replies were the usual stupid snark on social media from people who thrive on being negative.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025
The premise itself is both deeply stupid and incredibly clever (the sweet spot, really).

— Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025