1
as in insanity
a foolish act or idea
quickly realized that her suggestion was an inanity and withdrew it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in madness
lack of good sense or judgment
the jaw-dropping inanity of the singer's comments on the awards show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inanity
But that inanity, that ridiculousness is embedded in the story.
—
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
For the past four years, Honan has been a worm in Adams’s apple, scoring scoop after scoop about the dramas, inanities, and intrigues of his administration.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
The previous sentence illustrates the inanity of my desire.
—Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
But the overall effect of Gail Daughtry is to re-create the happily zonked university afternoons during which so many fans of my generation steeped ourselves in the elegant inanity of Wain’s output.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for inanity
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
For the past four years, Honan has been a worm in Adams’s apple, scoring scoop after scoop about the dramas, inanities, and intrigues of his administration.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
The previous sentence illustrates the inanity of my desire.
—Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
But the overall effect of Gail Daughtry is to re-create the happily zonked university afternoons during which so many fans of my generation steeped ourselves in the elegant inanity of Wain’s output.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for inanity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inanity
Noun
-
The insanity of the transfer portal.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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Here’s a few facts about those involved in the insanity.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There are, however, some relevant differences between the situations of our two oldest presidents, likely reflective of the differences between senility and madness.—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
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Her characters often demonstrated how quickly and seamlessly a cyclone of cheerful mannerisms could morph into a wailing typhoon of uncorked madness.—
Merrill Markoe,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Harry and Finis refused to play Jack Donahoe’s game of commenting on every idiocy that came across their desks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
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Telling the story of the clashing egos and raging idiocy of the fictional Spinal Tap, Reiner both directed and starred as the filmmaker-within-the-film Marty DiBergi.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
15 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Warm minimalism blends simplicity with warm neutrals and natural materials to feel more inviting.—
Erica Puisis,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
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This year, that simplicity may see a resurgence.—
Heather Bien,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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She’s built a career on candid takes about relationships, work and the absurdities of everyday life, delivered with her trademark mix of bluntness and charm.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
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The extended version gives the characters room to deepen their over-the-top backstory while leaning further into spectacle and absurdity.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From the earliest glimpses of new color to Valentine’s Day to channeling stir-craziness into spring cleaning, our friends at ALDI have stocked their February Finds to make sure you’re covered for all 28 days—and then some.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
28 Jan. 2026
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Of course, no Kojima title would be complete with a little bit of craziness, but even the more far-out aspects of the game make more sense and are a thrilling part of the journey.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inanity. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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