FOLLY Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

folly

noun

ˈfä-lē

Definition of folly

as in insanity

a foolish act or idea the American purchase of Alaska was originally considered a grand folly

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as in madness

lack of good sense or judgment in all my folly, I didn't think about how my actions would hurt my father

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as in nonsense

language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense enough of this folly about moving to the Australian outback

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of folly The wall is a folly, in both the architectural and regular sense of the word. — Matt Seaton, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026 Edwards’s own version of a European-style parterre is built around a fountain and a decorative wood structure known as a folly, built and installed by Spearhead. — Myles McDonnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 Adopting the Red Scare tactics of the last century seems unlikely to save Republicans from the political consequences of this folly. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 At the same time, the three main actors waited through mounting production delays that threatened to sink Spielberg’s folly. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for folly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for folly

Noun

Yates was eventually found not guilty by reason of insanity and remains committed to a state mental health facility.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Ulrich plays the enigmatic and manipulative cult leader, who pleads insanity and claims to be taking his commands directly from God.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of insanity

Noun

In the special, Ahdoot takes on post-breakup fitness, foodie culture, dating, family and the absurdity of becoming a minor celebrity to children.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Instead, the museum focuses on language, relationships, self-mockery, and life’s absurdities, with rakija served to visitors as the ultimate symbol of Balkan resilience.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of absurdity

Noun

The simplicity of the fire and forget mechanism allows its operators to launch large drone swarms to carry out coordinated attacks.

— Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
Protect Responsive Performance Responsive performance is a usability principle teams should not sacrifice for visual simplicity.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of simplicity

Noun

The latest contestant in this recurring game of fiscal stupidity is Miami.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
That’s only made worse by the fact that it’s treated as some kind of grand betrayal rather than an impulsive act of youthful stupidity that will make for a good story one day.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 July 2026

Definition of stupidity

Noun

It’s been a classic staple over decades of British comedy, which from Basil Fawlty to David Brent has rejoiced in puncturing pomposity to reveal idiocy and incompetence.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
The school board’s radical idiocy does not negate the state’s obligation to think about the longer haul — specifically, the structurally unbalanced budgets facing Chicago Public Schools as far as the eye can see.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of idiocy

Noun

Any larger Hollywood studio would have likely insisted on a grander finale, but The Death of Robin Hood, produced by A24, left me pondering the foolishness of my need for such a denouement.

— David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
The popular Instagram page @touronsofnationalparks is known for spotlighting the foolishness of people in national parks.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

Definition of foolishness

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folly

foment

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Style

“Folly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folly. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of folly

noun

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