Synonyms for

Nonsense

Verb / ˈnɑ:nsens / Another word for nonsense — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Words or ideas that are foolish or untrue.

Synonyms & similar words

bunk frill folderal nonsensicality falderol gimcrack hokum gimcrackery trumpery meaninglessness nonsensical absurdity balderdash drivel gibberish hogwash poppycock rubbish silliness trash twaddle baloney claptrap crap malarkey nonsensicalness rot stupidity tommyrot tripe bull

Synonyms by register

Formal

absurdity futility irrationality preposterousness

Informal

rubbish baloney hogwash crap poppycock

Literary

fustian gibberish babble

Antonyms

sense logic reason meaning truth validity soundness

Common collocations

  • utter nonsense
  • complete nonsense
  • talking nonsense
  • pure nonsense
  • nonsense words
  • nonsense rhyme
  • such nonsense
  • stop this nonsense

Word family

noun nonsense
adjective nonsensical

Usage note

Nonsense refers to something that is foolish, untrue, or has no meaning. It is often used to dismiss something as ridiculous or unacceptable.

Example sentences

  1. I heard a lot of nonsense at the party last night.
  2. Don't listen to the nonsense they're saying.
  3. He always talks nonsense.
  4. This book is full of nonsense.
  5. She dismissed his argument as nonsense.

Quotes

  • Nonsense is the best thing about reality. - Tom Stoppard
  • The whole universe is nonsense. - Jean-Paul Sartre
  • I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying. - Oscar Wilde

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