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 As someone who has spent a lifetime as a public voice for social justice, I have been chagrined to see how even bland, neutral words can be quickly weaponized for cultural warfare. Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Not to mention that relying solely on transactional benefits makes loyalty programs feel bland and, quite frankly, interchangeable. Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 And sadly, nasal congestion that occurs in space affects their sense of smell and makes food taste bland up there. New Atlas, 14 Apr. 2025 This teasing, searching, playful, scathing voice, half inside the community and half outside it, sometimes as bland as soup and other times as sharp as death, recounts history as no responsible historian could. James Wood, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bland
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bland
Adjective
  • Their look and feeling are soothing and sublime, thanks to the deft hand of noted Spanish interior designer Pilar García-Nieto.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.
    Tantse Walter, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.
    Caroline Fleck, Contributor, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • This square isn’t necessarily gentle, but these big, bold and potentially unsettling shifts are ultimately necessary for our growth.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is soft, luminous skin that’s also protected from a high UV index.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The frame is made from a soft velvet fabric that’s extremely comfortable to recline on.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hyers comes across as perhaps the most mild-mannered, mellow coach who’s ever put on a uniform.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Many expect a recession − defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth − albeit perhaps a mild one.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Regularly clean your makeup brushes and sponges with a gentle cleanser or mild soap to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
    Lauryn Higgins, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This can vary from a benign lentigo to a cancerous mole.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The 33-year-old mom praised the staff for being proactive in testing the cyst, which was found to be benign.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bland.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bland. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bland

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