foolish

[foo-lish] / ˈfu lɪʃ /

ADJECTIVE

nonsensical, idiotic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurd crazy fantastic ill-advised insane irrational ludicrous preposterous ridiculous silly stupid unreasonable unwise

WEAK

asinine brainless cockamamy daffy daft dippy doltish dotty fatuous feebleminded half-baked half-witted harebrained ill-considered imbecilic imprudent incautious indiscreet injudicious jerky kooky loony lunatic mad moronic nutty senseless short-sighted simple unintelligent wacky weak witless zany

Antonyms

STRONGEST

balanced logical plain practical rational realistic reasonable responsible sane sensible serious smart sound wise

WEAK

careful cautious circumspect prudent thoughtful unfoolish

Usage

What are other ways to say foolish? The adjective foolish implies a lack of common sense or good judgment or, sometimes, a weakness of mind: a foolish decision; The child seems foolish. Fatuous implies being not only foolish, dull, and vacant in mind, but complacent and highly self-satisfied as well: fatuous and self-important; fatuous answers. Silly denotes extreme and conspicuous foolishness; it may also refer to pointlessness of jokes, remarks, etc.: silly and senseless behavior; a perfectly silly statement. Inane applies to silliness that is notably lacking in content, sense, or point: inane questions that leave one with no reply. Stupid implies natural slowness or dullness of intellect, or, sometimes, a benumbed or dazed state of mind; it is also used to mean foolish or silly: He was rendered stupid by a blow; It is stupid to do such a thing. Asinine originally meant like an ass; it applies to witlessly stupid conversations or conduct and suggests a lack of social grace or perception: He failed to notice the reaction to his asinine remarks.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I think it would be foolish not to keep focused on the British quirkiness and personality that resonates through the Paul Smith brand,” Venters said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

After two bruising decades in the job market, we might see her actions as more foolish than heroic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Babb had been foolish, these critics argued, but it wasn’t his call to come down so hard on Gamble with a criminal prosecution.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

The envelope contained £100 in £20 notes, and was signed: "A former foolish student."

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Imagine the luxurious cruise she might have taken if not for that foolish messenger!

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

foolish

Usage

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing foolish

Negative Words to Describe People

Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ish

"The Open Window" and "One in a Million"

foolish

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing foolish

Negative Words to Describe People

Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ish

"The Open Window" and "One in a Million"