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

Examples 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 Control of the canal was transferred from the U.S. to the Central American country in 1999 as a result of a 1979 treaty under former President Carter, which Trump said was a foolish decision. —

Sophia Vento, The Hill, 22 Dec. 2024 Stated simply, the policy errors made with regard to money were uniquely foolish. —

John Tamny, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Premature predictions of renewal would be foolish and, as Howe continually stressed, Newcastle cannot allow one strong outing to be followed by another meek one. —

Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Nobody is foolish enough to suggest Kansas City isn’t actually good. —

Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foolish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolish

Adjective

So ridiculous the referee initially had trouble believing that anyone could be so reckless & stupid.

The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
And there was no such thing ever as a bad decision or a stupid question.

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Jan. 2025