idiocy

noun

ˈi-dē-ə-sē How to pronounce idiocy (audio)
Definition of idiocynext
as in insanity
a foolish act or idea trying to get that many people to agree on anything was pure idiocy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 idiocy 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 This’ll be a great way to expose the hypocrisy or idiocy of the progressive movement ingrained in the league. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 No one wants the distraction of bizarre and disturbing behavior, of internet idiocy or civil lawsuits. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 And when Torres scored, Fernandez's idiocy only came into greater focus. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for idiocy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiocy
  1. insanity
  2. absurdity
  3. stupidity
Noun
  • Bennett asked the jury to find Hinton not guilty by reason of insanity.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
  • That sentence would have sounded like insanity a few decades ago, but in the strange world of Hollywood in the 2020s, weirder might really be better.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • For all the absurdity, though, the award carries considerable weight — even if the timing is bittersweet.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That obsession reached its peak of exuberant absurdity on a Friday in late July of 1995.
    — Adam Sztykiel, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • Learning that countless more people will lose their lives on account of his neglect, greed, and stupidity, he is pressed, reluctantly, into a most self-serving mode of damage control.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Nerdiest song for drummers This will probably come down to stupidity.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of stupidity

Browse Nearby Words

idiocies
idiocy
idiolect
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Cite this Entry

“Idiocy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiocy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idiocy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idiocy

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