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 There’s a heartwarming idiocy to their pursuit, yet what festers underneath is their inability to process grief consciously and the fear that those who deem their existence meaningless might be right. — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 Gunther and Tig are two billionaire failsons who have wasted countless opportunities and cash chasing the stupidest ideas and who get rewarded over and over again for their idiocy. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 Unlike its sibling concepts of dumbness and idiocy, stupidity isn’t really a personality trait. — Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026 Advertisement Aster keenly satirizes Joe’s idiocy in the face of social upheaval through the iconography of Westerns. — Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idiocy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiocy
  1. insanity
  2. absurdity
  3. stupidity
Noun
  • Iraq, Canada, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabia After accidentally cursing President Saddam Hussein on stage, theater actor Salem convinces a military court of his insanity to escape a death sentence.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 July 2026
  • San Francisco trailed 6-1 at the time of Webb’s departure, and given Coors Field’s penchant for insanity, a comeback wasn’t out of the question.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Fireworks, flags and BBQs are Fourth of July staples, but America’s 250th birthday brings an extra helping of absurdity to Coney Island.
    — Geoff Clark OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • Is there a level of insanity, vitriol and stupidity that is infiltrating almost every aspect of our modern society, regardless of your political or religious views?
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
  • Warm, fuzzy feelings for noble stupidity are an American thing, especially in politics.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idiocy

Nglish: Translation of idiocy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idiocy

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