bland

bland

adjective \ˈbland\

Definition of BLAND

1

a : smooth and soothing in manner or quality <a bland smile>

b : exhibiting no personal concern or embarrassment : unperturbed <a bland confession of guilt>

2

a : not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating : soothing

b : dull, insipid <bland stories with little plot or action>

— bland·ly \ˈblan(d)-lē\ adverb

— bland·ness \ˈblan(d)-nəs\ noun

Examples of BLAND

1. The vegetable soup was rather bland.
2. The diplomat's bland statement did nothing to calm the situation.

Origin of BLAND

Latin blandus

First Known Use: 1565

Related to BLAND

Synonyms

balmy, benign, gentle, delicate, light, mellow, mild, nonabrasive, soft, soothing, tender

Antonyms

abrasive, caustic, coarse, hard, harsh, rough, scathing, stern, ungentle

Related Words

calm, pacific, peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, tranquil; clement, compassionate, easy, lenient, merciful; buffering, cushioning, emollient, softening; sleek, slick, smooth

Near Antonyms

exquisite, fierce, intense, powerful, severe; forceful, forcible, savage, violent; roughened, rugged, strong; abrading, irritating, roughening; grim, gruff, rude, stiff; heavy-handed, oppressive, pitiless, tyrannical (also tyrannic)

See Synonym Discussion at suave

Rhymes with BLAND

band, brand, canned, gland, grand, hand, land, manned, NAND, rand, sand, Sand, stand, strand