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 And when Torres scored, Fernandez's idiocy only came into greater focus. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026 That’s the level of idiocy in the Los Angeles city government. — Susan Shelley, Daily News, 13 May 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 See All Example Sentences for idiocy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiocy
  1. insanity
  2. absurdity
  3. stupidity
Noun
  • Massachusetts law states that a person committed after a successful insanity defense can be recommitted over and over again, each time for a one-year period.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result is what some people call insanity.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • By using two mediums to highlight the warm absurdity of the fairy-tale tropes, Enchanted cheekily celebrates what only animation can do.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • However, others should not be forced to adhere to absurdity for the sake of feelings.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of absurdity
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

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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idiocy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idiocy

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