Find Synonyms

foolishness Synonyms

Another word for foolishness

Choosing another word for foolishness depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

The quality or state of lacking good sense, foresight, or sound judgment.

Usage Example

"Investing their entire savings into an unproven venture was an act of sheer folly."

Strongest
folly
stupidity
imprudence
Strong
silliness
absurdity
irrationality
idiocy
inanity

• noun (Context 2)

Frivolous, silly, or nonsensical behavior or talk.

Usage Example

"The teacher quickly put a stop to the classroom nonsense so the students could finish their exam."

Strongest
nonsense
silliness
tomfoolery
Strong
frivolity
buffoonery
horseplay
shenanigans

Opposites of foolishness

The opposite of foolishness shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

wisdom
prudence
seriousness
common sense
sensibleness
sagacity
solemnity
intelligence
See all opposites of foolishness

• Nearby Words

foolhardy
foolish
foolishly
foolishness
foolproof
foosball
foot

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Foolishness. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/foolishness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.