Definition of banalnext
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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 Meanwhile, the hunt in Fayetteville has been somewhat banal, even though Arkansas was the first SEC program to fire a coach this cycle. Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025 Ads naturally and inherently traffic in the line between surreality and the banal. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025 As alluring as these possibilities were, the truth was more banal. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2025 Even on a slightly more banal level, there’s a singular buzz to sparking off an existing song at a game. Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for banal
Adjective
  • Yes, the rich women went to Sedona on Sutton’s private plane, but before that there were a few scenes back in boring old Los Angeles.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Disease prevention should be boring, routine, expected, and easy to access.
    Uché Blackstock, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
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
  • Democrat Gray Davis, to name a recent example, had an extensive background in government and politics and a bland demeanor that suggested his first name was also a fitting adjective.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Is there an unwritten rule about being a bland professional and not showing any personality?
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The first turned a fourth-quarter fumble into a 59-yard score when Achane burst through a tired, and seemingly defeated Buffalo defensive front and outsprinted the Bills’ entire secondary to the end zone.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But that feels like a tired, outdated characterisation.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 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
  • The incidents have mainly taken place in states where aerial pesticides have become more commonplace.
    Carolina Abbott Galvão, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Including a mid-round pick (or two) is a simple and commonplace way for teams to maximize their return in a trade.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert finds Brooklinen’s prints a good midway point between something too chintzy or something too dull, and thinks highly of the material as well.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The fiber’s irregular length distribution—with 50 percent at 28 millimeters and 50 percent in the 10 to 20 millimeter range—delivers a textured, semi-dull and opaque aesthetic that achieves a genuine, vintage washdown performance.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
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 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on banal

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