English word

Foolish

Definitions

adjective

  1. having or showing a lack of good sense, judgment, or discretion
  2. absurd, ridiculous
  3. marked by a loss of composure : nonplussed
  4. insignificant, trifling

Synonyms for foolish

Closest evidence-backed alternatives.

  • absurd
  • silly
  • stupid
  • mad
  • crazy
  • insane
  • idiotic
  • fool
  • irrational
  • dumb
  • asinine
  • brainless
  • dopey
  • unintelligent
  • dim
  • harebrained
  • loopy
  • braindead
  • gormless
  • thickheaded

Synonyms by context

(of a person) Lacking in intelligence

adjective

  • senseless
  • unwise
  • witless
  • daft
  • fatuous

Imprudent, without due thought or consideration

adjective

  • imprudent
  • foolhardy
  • incautious
  • injudicious
  • rash
  • thoughtless
  • unreasonable
  • impolitic
  • irresponsible

Extremely (and unbelievably) illogical

adjective

  • outrageous
  • bizarre
  • farcical
  • illogical
  • implausible
  • inane

Antonyms for foolish

  • important
  • logical
  • realistic
  • sensible
  • analytical
  • judicious
  • rational
  • commonsensical
  • prudent
  • pragmatic
  • sound
  • wise
  • astute
  • meaningful
  • reasonable
  • clear
  • grounded
  • profound
  • insightful
  • real

(of a person) Opposite of lacking in intelligence

  • sensible
  • judicious
  • prudent
  • wise
  • astute
  • rational
  • responsible
  • sage
  • bright
  • circumspect

Opposite of imprudent, without due thought or consideration

  • realistic
  • commonsensical
  • pragmatic
  • reasonable
  • grounded
  • real
  • hardheaded
  • levelheaded
  • practical

Opposite of extremely (and unbelievably) illogical

Phrases

  • a few cards shy of a full deck
  • a few sandwiches short of a picnic
  • all wet
  • any old way
  • around the bend
  • as daft as a brush
  • asleep at the wheel
  • asleep on the job
  • as mad as a hatter
  • as mad as a march hare
  • as thick as two short planks
  • away with the fairies
  • badly planned
  • badly thought-out
  • barking mad
  • beyond belief
  • beyond the bounds of possibility
  • blue sky
  • bugged out
  • caught napping