imbecility

noun

ˌim-bə-ˈsi-lə-tē How to pronounce imbecility (audio)
Definition of imbecilitynext
1
as in insanity
a foolish act or idea was arrested for the sheer imbecility of speeding down a dark road with no headlights on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in madness
lack of good sense or judgment we were stunned by the imbecility of the ideas presented by this once-respected biologist

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imbecility
  1. insanity
  2. madness
  3. simplicity
  4. absurdity
  5. stupidity
Noun
  • The legal team for Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course in September, is considering an insanity defense.
    Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024
  • That’s still a bit shy, though, of the insanity that surrounded Stanley cups at their peak.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • But what of the apologists for madness and criminality, the comfortable sophists who invert morality to score partisan points?
    Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths Plenty of 2024 movies were of the mind that the only way to respond to a world gone mad is with more madness.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of madness
Noun
  • Though limited in services like in-room dining, the cost-effective hotel prioritizes simplicity over luxury.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Within a matter of minutes, lives can be changed through donating to one or more of these organizations using the simplicity of a vending machine, the confidence of knowing 100% of the donation goes to the charity, and that the donation is directed for a specific purpose.
    Eric C. Shuster, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
Definition of simplicity
Noun
  • Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Brought to life through campy, surrealist sets and unforgettable cameos, the show takes the viewer through a series of dreamlike vignettes that brilliantly articulate the absurdity and tedium of life under late-capitalism.
    Samantha Allen, Them, 20 Nov. 2024
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • Navalny’s memoir deftly exposes the infinite vices in the current Russian government that rewards venality, cowardice and stupidity but punishes integrity, brains and the courage to speak truth to power.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024
  • That may not be a huge sum of money in a county with an annual operating budget of nearly $5 billion, but it’s got to rank high in sheer stupidity or at least neglect.
    Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 13 Nov. 2024
Definition of stupidity
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near imbecility

imbecilities

imbecility

imbibe

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Cite this Entry

“Imbecility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imbecility. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imbecility

Nglish: Translation of imbecility for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of imbecility for Arabic Speakers

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