fool 1 of 3

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as in clown
a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks a king's fool could get away with saying things that others in the palace couldn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fool

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adjective

fool

3 of 3

verb

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 fool
Noun
Depending on Trump’s demands, even states that are traditional U.S. partners could conclude that signing any deals with the United States is a fool’s errand because, eventually, Trump will issue even stronger demands in the future. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Trump’s Insane Clown Posse Cabinet is very close to being filled with a cadre of fools and quacks, goons and thugs. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
But now there are holograms, bar codes and laser engraving that can fool the electronic scanners in bars and marijuana dispensaries. James Barron, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 Mint Julep Photo : Jon Lovette/Getty Images Don’t be fooled by the Mint Julep. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fool
Noun
  • Robert Pattinson recalls lying on live TV about seeing clown die in car explosion as a kid: 'What on Earth?' Pattinson also surprised audiences at the convention, making an unannounced appearance alongside his director.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • These clowns dressed as presidents appear immature and narcissistic.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • More great reads Column: Super Bowl sucker no more.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Another place where suckers may pop up is below the bud union on the tree, where the citrus variety was grafted onto the rootstock.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Miami would be foolish to hold onto him as the team still looks to be multiple years away from contending for a postseason berth.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Today’s Wordle Etymology The word madly comes from mad (meaning insane, foolish, or intense in emotion) + -ly, a suffix used to form adverbs.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Photo : Volkswagen No, your eyes do not deceive you, a Volkswagen did earn itself a spot on the list of the greatest luxury vehicles of all time.
    Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Despite providing historical records and even materials for a documentary on Bad Boy Entertainment in 2021, Burrowes says he was once again deceived and left unpaid for his contributions.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Atlanta official joked that the graphic must have been sent to him 10 times during the previous five days.
    Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • When this verdict spread across the internet, there was one uniting trend: fans on social media couldn’t stop joking and celebrating about the outcome, sparking a deluge of memes about the event.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But this harlequin moll can’t match Joker’s lunacy as either lawbreaker or musician.
    Armond White, National Review, 29 Nov. 2024
  • The doll, which is called the Witch Weaver, wears flared bell-bottoms, a gossamer harlequin blouse, gold waistcoat and crystal headpiece — taking inspiration from Reed’s signature design codes, personal style and even Lady Gaga.
    Violet Goldstone, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Not having sub-zero weather and a few feet of snow on the ground also improves access for a set of potential film lovers, especially those with physical or other disabilities.
    David Bloom, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The shows draw gem lovers of all kinds, from consumers shopping for crystals to high-end designers like Lauren Harwell Godfrey and James de Givenchy of Taffin, who use the occasion to hunt for the components of their upcoming high jewelry collections.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • How did the character of Joel—who is not a straightforward psychopath, if there is such a thing—come to you?
    Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025
  • As 40,000 acres burn, animals are incinerated alive and the human death toll rises, only a psychopath would look for advantage.
    Sabrina Haake, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Fool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fool. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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