DILETTANTISM Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

dilettantism

noun

Definition of dilettantism

as in amateurism

a lack of the level of skill associated with an expert or professional no charge of dilettantism could ever be leveled at English physicist Henry Cavendish, whose immense wealth allowed him to devote his life to scientific pursuits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilettantism

Noun

But Wright’s case is also illustrating why the NCAA’s argument about amateurism is becoming harder to square with the economics of the modern college engine.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
What were once basic tenets — amateurism, transfers, years of eligibility — have been upended.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of amateurism

Noun

Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

The archipelago has faced a drought that has led to severe water shortages in many cities, with government and agency incompetence (or worse, corruption) accused of worsening an already fraught crisis.

— Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2026
That is inaccurate, not what the investigation covers, and viral posts on X are misleading people either through incompetence or purposefully misleading information.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of incompetence

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.

Browse Nearby Words

dilettantish

dilettantism

diligence

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dilettantism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilettantism. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of dilettantism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

recalcitrant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes