Definition of crassnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of crass are dense, dull, dumb, and stupid. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When could dense be used to replace crass?

While in some cases nearly identical to crass, dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

In what contexts can dull take the place of crass?

While the synonyms dull and crass are close in meaning, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When would dumb be a good substitute for crass?

The synonyms dumb and crass are sometimes interchangeable, but dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When can stupid be used instead of crass?

The words stupid and crass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary.

stupid students just keeping the seats warm
stupid with drink

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 crass But those efforts did their part to contribute to the overall sense of the Cannes Film Festival as the center of the moviegoing world for 11 days in May, somewhere where crass corporate product lived alongside uncompromising arthouse efforts in a broad-spectrum display of what constitutes cinema. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2026 Directed by Nicolas Athane and Marco Nguyen, Jim Queen is a crass, profane, giddily stupid romp through a heap of stereotypes about gay life in Paris. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 In the series adaptation, from creator, executive producer and co-showrunner Turner (Up In The Air, X-Men First Class), a ruthless and crass barbarian is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch on a road of self discovery, redemption and revenge. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 May 2026 The bold phrase caused an uproar among fans; while some praised the model for her bravado, others criticized her for being crass. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • This isn’t about the vulgar prices now being charged to get into the building and Celebrity Row.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
  • But this original iteration of Call Her Daddy was vulgar, transgressive, and short-lived.
    Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • That seems a pretty rude thing to write in the newspaper.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
  • Brock isn’t being rude — far from it.
    Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The coarser shades of red and orange, illuminated by the setting sun on the western portals, color the side of the basilica that depicts Christ’s Passion.
    Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • Hair loss is self-explanatory, while dryness results from damage to the outer layer of the cuticle, leading to moisture loss and hair that feels coarse and appears dull.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, Cagle told the city council that around half of all bus and light rail riders are not paying their fares, with rail evasion the most common occurrence.
    DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • One of the world’s most durable and amicable alliances — born of geography, heritage and centuries of common interests — is broken, as seen in several recent examples of tension between leaders.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sacramento County jail records Saturday morning showed Merritt was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death or permanent serious injury, felony vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and misdemeanor driving without a valid license.
    Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
  • The burst of activity marks a shift from Swift’s more deliberate public strategy over the past 18 months, following the record-shattering Eras Tour, which remains the only concert tour in history to gross $2 billion.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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