bland

bland

adj \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)

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See Synonym Discussion at suave

Rhymes with BLAND

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