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Synonym Chooser

How is the word banal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of banal are flat, inane, insipid, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When might flat be a better fit than banal?

The synonyms flat and banal are sometimes interchangeable, but flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.

although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

In what contexts can inane take the place of banal?

Although the words inane and banal have much in common, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

When is insipid a more appropriate choice than banal?

While in some cases nearly identical to banal, insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When is it sensible to use jejune instead of banal?

While the synonyms jejune and banal are close in meaning, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When would vapid be a good substitute for banal?

The words vapid and banal can be used in similar contexts, but vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of banal Couldn't think of something more boring and banal and a waste of time. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Couldn’t think of something more boring and banal and a waste of time. Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 In this scenario, the Kremlin could meet a moment where its resistance to the banal inconveniences of reality, and the economic hardship of its own people, turns toxic. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025 The actions had all been engineered to seem so gradual, Evie thought, even banal. Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for banal
Adjective
  • Despite looking like a fighter pilot who could win a game of dogfight football, Colin isn’t framed as a temptation for Marissa, and a lack of sexy secrets proves to be a recurring blind spot for the series, even if those two have plenty of other skeletons in their massive, boring closets.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
  • All this after Fern just wanted to renovate her boring bookseller life by starting over next to her orc pal Viv’s coffee shop!
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • At the time, Latinos were often cast in stereotyped roles with heavy accents and largely denied the opportunity to direct features.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Super Chai Fuel was a touch bland, but could be a good option for those who prefer something less sweet.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
  • If your instinct, in other words, is to smooth things over with a bland fabrication, try dropping a tiny truth bomb instead.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Stein conducted experiments under James’s supervision, but quickly tired of studying her subjects’ responses and preferred talking with them and tracking their characters.
    Daphne Merkin, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On the road, the Murano sidesteps the insipid CVT vibe of the past.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Callahan’s baritone is rich and full, but the rest of the instrumentation feels insipid.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Residents here are not used to the kind of surveillance and military presence that is more commonplace in Caracas, the capital.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Abandonments like Brownie’s have become increasingly commonplace.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, watching Charles attempt to insert himself into the Garfield Administration by forging papers and sneaking into buildings feels repetitive and a bit dull.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Their life in Watertown had been ordinary, maybe even dull sometimes.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately though, Cooper can’t escape certain hackneyed biopic tropes in representing the songwriting, which are almost impossible to avoid.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Unfortunately though, Cooper can’t escape certain hackneyed biopic tropes in representing the songwriting, which are almost impossible to avoid.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Banal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/banal. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on banal

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