Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for foolishness. Search instead for owlishnes.
Definitions

foolishness

[foo-lish-nis] / ˈfu lɪʃ nɪs /
NOUN
idiocy, nonsense
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absurdity bunk craziness folly indiscretion insanity irrationality irresponsibility lunacy rubbish silliness stupidity
STRONG
absurdness claptrap foolery impracticality imprudence inanity insensibility mistake poppycock senselessness tommyrot twaddle unwiseness weakness
WEAK
carrying-on dumb trick fool trick horse feathers ludicrousness preposterousness unreasonableness witlessness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
judgment sense wisdom
WEAK
care carefulness caution circumspection prudence seriousness thoughtfulness wiseness

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.

They focused instead on human experience as it unfolds, moment by uncertain moment, capturing everyday foibles, errors and foolishness in the face of quotidian ruthlessness.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Mr. Clooney has never had a better role, and he burrows deeply into it with a self-interrogating combination of narcissism, foolishness, bravado and charisma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

Motherhood has made Slate gentler on herself, sloughing off feelings of foolishness, self-criticism and self-doubt.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2024

It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2024

Beowulf smiled, as though all this struck him as great foolishness now.

From "Beowulf: A New Telling" by Robert Nye