blasé

variants also blase

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective blasé differ from other similar words?

The words sophisticated and worldly-wise are common synonyms of blasé. While all three words mean "experienced in the ways of the world," blasé implies a lack of responsiveness to common joys as a result of a real or affected surfeit of experience and cultivation.

blasé travelers who claimed to have been everywhere

When is it sensible to use sophisticated instead of blasé?

The meanings of sophisticated and blasé largely overlap; however, sophisticated often implies refinement, urbanity, cleverness, and cultivation.

guests at her salon were usually rich and sophisticated

When might worldly-wise be a better fit than blasé?

While the synonyms worldly-wise and blasé are close in meaning, worldly-wise suggests a close and practical knowledge of the affairs and manners of society and an inclination toward materialism.

a worldly-wise woman with a philosophy of personal independence

Examples of blasé in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At midday, with sporadic rain, many residents and visitors interviewed were somewhat blase about the danger. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2023 The blase attitude is not uncommon in Kyiv, where many residents appear to be confronting the prospect of an enemy at the gates with a mix of stoicism and resignation, if not outright bewilderment at the presence of so many foreigners asking darkly about imminent conflict. Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2022 Regular high tides elicit a blase response from Venetians, who are accustomed to lugging around rubber boots at every flood warning, and delight from tourists, fascinated by the sight of St. Mark’s golden mosaics and domes reflected in rising waters. Colleen Barry, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Oct. 2021 Perhaps they are blase about parasites because of their protection. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2012 Within the Astros' organization, Tucker is renowned for his makeup — an uber-poised, almost blase demeanor with which he's accepted his position and prestige. Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, 8 July 2018 In their locker room the colors of mildew, chlorine and athlete’s foot (Angrette McCloskey did the spot-on set), Brigham’s Amy initially seems the classic cool kid, all aggressive unconcern peppered with a few blase cruelties. Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle, 31 May 2018 In Manzie's opinion, the lack of attendance at Hank Aaron Stadium isn't indicative of a blase fan base. John Sharp, AL.com, 30 Jan. 2018 And while many Chinese may seem blase, news about the congress is impossible to avoid. Washington Post, 16 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blasé.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near blasé

Cite this Entry

“Blasé.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blas%C3%A9. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!