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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 From this perspective, the antithesis of a Cybertruck would not be the latest banal sedan out of Detroit but, say, a Cuban máquina. Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025 As a result, even their banal analyses of American society were valued by the leadership. Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2025 The movie surrounding it, however, seems determined to make the extraordinary seem as bumper-sticker simple and banal as humanly possible. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 But lawmakers and the nonpartisan office that advises them have taken issue with the timing of the seemingly banal change. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for banal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for banal
Adjective
  • The main reason Jacksonville is so boring, FinanceBuzz found, is that much of its population is thinly scattered across the city.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • GoPro has also dropped a white version and a forest green version if black is too boring for you.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The bland Ballade is a lesser score by the late 19th and early 20th century British composer who deserves a revival for his more substantial works.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • In both vehicles he was played by George Reeves, polite, bland and not noticeably muscled.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Their negative stereotyped reputation seems to follow them like ageism follows older employees or sexism follows female employees.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Amidst their insipid competition to win Harris’ favor, the three daughters lament that none of them will ever truly be their father’s favorite, as that title belongs to the daughter who never grew up: the actual youngest Sinclair daughter, Rosemary.
    Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025
  • Brazil were insipid at last summer’s Copa America and have gone downhill since.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The toll on crew members goes far beyond simply being tired.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Generally, names as a kind of artist name are quite dull nowadays anyway.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
  • Sometimes, an artist who is too long viewed as an outsider to Music City's style and sound will see the shine of the bright lights grow dull on their art.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Lines at Eli’s Bar B Que are commonplace, but so is an overwhelming sense of fellowship.
    Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Subsidies and massive discounts are commonplace in China’s competitive tech sector, and a cause for concern for Beijing.
    Dylan Butts,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Dickinson led off the semifinal game and roped a double off his metal bat that Smith said woke him up from a long, tiring day.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • After a tiring day walking around the parks, the most relaxing, soothing and healing experience is to sit out on the decks of the treehouse.
    Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Banal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/banal. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on banal

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