foolish
44 synonyms and 1 antonyms for foolish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Lacking good sense; unwise or silly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use foolish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English folisch, built from fool + -ish.
Full origin of foolish →Frequently asked questions
What does “foolish” mean?
The word “foolish” means lacking good sense; unwise or silly. In plain terms, not smart or sensible; the way a fool would act.
How do you pronounce “foolish”?
“Foolish” is pronounced FOO-lihsh (/ˈfuː.lɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “foolish” in a sentence?
Here is “foolish” used in a sentence: “It was foolish to leave the door unlocked overnight.”
What is another word for “foolish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “foolish” include absurd, idiotic, ridiculous, silly, unwise and asinine.
What is the opposite of “foolish”?
The opposite of “foolish” — its antonyms — is wise.
What part of speech is “foolish”?
“Foolish” is an adjective.
Where does the word “foolish” come from?
The word “foolish” comes from Middle English. From Middle English folisch, built from fool + -ish.
Is “foolish” a common word?
“Foolish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "foolish" and "stupid"?
"Stupid" usually attacks a person's general intelligence and is harsher and more insulting, while "foolish" focuses on a particular lack of good judgment or sense. A very intelligent person can still do something foolish on a given occasion.
What is the difference between "foolish" and "silly"?
"Silly" is lighter and can be playful, absurd, or even affectionate, whereas "foolish" more seriously suggests poor judgment that may have real consequences. Calling a plan "foolish" implies it is genuinely unwise, not just amusing.
What is the difference between "foolish" and "foolhardy"?
"Foolish" broadly means lacking good sense, while "foolhardy" specifically means recklessly bold, taking risks a sensible person would avoid. All foolhardy acts are foolish, but foolishness does not always involve danger.
What words commonly go with "foolish"?
"Foolish" often appears in phrases such as "foolish mistake," "foolish decision," "look foolish," "feel foolish," and "young and foolish." It typically describes an act or person showing a lack of good sense.