Synonym Chooser

How is the word bland different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of bland are diplomatic, politic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than bland?

The meanings of diplomatic and bland largely overlap; however, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When could politic be used to replace bland?

Although the words politic and bland have much in common, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Where would smooth be a reasonable alternative to bland?

The synonyms smooth and bland are sometimes interchangeable, but smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of bland?

While in some cases nearly identical to bland, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

In what contexts can urbane take the place of bland?

While the synonyms urbane and bland are close in meaning, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 bland And after the eventful and, for some, divisive dozen years under Francis, bland but competent may be just what the cardinals are looking for. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 3 May 2025 In microgravity, foods tend to taste bland because of fluid shifts in our body and smells no longer wafting up into our nose. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 1 May 2025 Water that’s too hot will scorch them and make for a bitter brew; water that’s too cold will under-extract the leaves and yield a bland cup. Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025 Russell Westbrook rocks Denver’s bench woes to sleep: For two straight games, the Nuggets couldn’t squeeze any juice from bench depth that’s been bland all year. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bland
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bland
Adjective
  • This bestselling toner helps shrink pores and balance oil control without drying out the skin, thanks to its combination of mild exfoliants and soothing botanical extracts.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 15 May 2025
  • The tool also incorporates vibration and heat to provide a soothing experience—and those features help with product absorption and promote better circulation, which might lead to hair growth.
    Jessica Kasparian, Allure, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Including Marcelo and his kid, all three of the film’s rival factions are father-son teams, a choice that highlights Filho’s gentle emphasis on the relationship between lineage and identity — and the defiant notion that history is as hard to erase as DNA.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • Après hike Just above the gentle, winding Fern Dell nature trail section of the park, with its cascading waterfalls, lies the outdoor coffee shop, The Trails.
    David Allan, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Iñárritu also used his Cannes visit as a soft launch for his next wild experiment, with Tom Cruise.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
  • Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground).
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Whether your mom is new to edibles or an experienced user, these treats can offer a relaxing, mellow experience.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
  • Butter yellow is everywhere—from runways to celebrity homes—but there’s something undeniably comforting (and nostalgic) about this mellow hue.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Other forces besides tariffs also may have contributed to mild inflation last month.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • At that point, Shipley and two deputies flew to Miami to meet with Bezos and Lewis; the paper’s endorsement wasn’t on the agenda, but Bezos expressed mild curiosity about why the paper needed to endorse a candidate at all.
    Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The trade war wasn’t necessarily the main reason for the benign readings.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Some people see gentle needling as the same as a compliment or benign conversation.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bland.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bland. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bland

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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