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 Sherrill was criticized by more left-leaning elements in the party, such as the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, for being too bland. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025 Listen to one after another, though, and the bland muddiness exposes them as a machine creation. ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025 Recent coverage on Forbes warns that overuse of AI in newsrooms could lead to bland, unoriginal content that erodes trust. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Leguizamo’s character is too broadly sleazy, Chlumsky’s too bland. Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bland
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bland
Adjective
  • But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools?
    Pooja Shree Chettiar, The Conversation, 10 July 2025
  • In tea form, turmeric and garlic create a soothing, nutrient-rich herbal tonic.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • My life is my people, the gentle hills of the Marche region, and the objects that hold and transmit emotions.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
  • The shelter posted the video hoping someone might see past Iris's fear and recognize the gentle dog underneath.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Expected soft opening: August 2025 Details: 1325 Grand Ave., Suite 6, Phoenix.
    Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • The creamy, dual-action formula works to unclog keratin plugs without irritation, leaving areas such as the backs of the arms and thighs feeling noticeably softer.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Alan Rickman, with his deep, mellow, softly puffing voice, is immensely sympathetic as that most patient of suitors, Colonel Brandon.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • The aromatic wine enlivens the mellow notes of the squash while the pyrazines (a green pepper taste) in certain Sauvignon Blancs are a match for the similar flavor of the bell peppers.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens, 86, underwent successful heart surgery after a mild heart attack.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
  • Possible side effects of the vaccine, which the CDC says are usually mild, include soreness, redness or swelling; fever; mild rash; and temporary pain and stiffness in the joints.
    Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the first half of 2025, inflation data has been largely benign, but the worst may be yet to come: Goldman Sachs economists predict core PCE inflation will surge to 3.4% by December, which would be the highest rate since 2023.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Finland has been a benign competitor since its 2005 semifinal stunner.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bland

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