noun

nonsense

Words or ideas that make no sense or are foolish.

His explanation is nonsense because it contradicts the facts.

Etymology

The negative prefix denies sense or intelligible meaning. Nonsense therefore names language or ideas that lack coherence, or that a speaker dismisses as foolish.

More examples

  • The translator produces nonsense when it cannot recognize the words.
  • It's nonsense to blame one person for everyone's mistakes.
  • She dismisses the rumor as complete nonsense.

Forms

nonsense

nonsensical adjective — Making no sense or lacking logic.

Similar words

gibberish
Usually means unintelligible speech or writing, rather than foolish ideas.
absurdity
Emphasizes an idea's ridiculousness rather than its lack of meaning.