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Definition of tomfool

tomfool

/ˌtɑːmˈfuːl/
tom · fool
Plural:tomfools
•
Past Simple:tomfooled
•
Past Participle:tomfooled
•
Present Participle:tomfooling
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tomfool Lexical Profile

tomfool Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Utterly foolish, silly, or absurd.

Example

"The committee immediately rejected his tomfool scheme to fund the project through lottery tickets."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A grossly foolish, silly, or stupid person; a buffoon.

Example

"He felt like an absolute tomfool after realizing he had locked his keys inside the running car."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To act foolishly or engage in silly, playful behavior.

Example

"The director told the actors to stop tomfooling on set so they could finish filming the scene before dusk."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for tomfool

• Nearby Words

tomcat
tomcod
tome
tomfool
tomfoolery
tomini tang
tommy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 14th century from the nickname 'Tom Fool', using the common male given name 'Tom' (short for Thomas) as a generic label for an ordinary or simple-minded person.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tomfool. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tomfool
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