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 Without being too crass about it, Panahi’s personal story has added an urgency and stakes to his campaign that few others can match. Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025 Young right-wingers came of age believing strength is being crass, in your face, pushing boundaries. Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 Free speech covers the jokes, the satire, the parodies—even the dumb, crass, or offensive ones. Lizz Winstead, Time, 27 Sep. 2025 And honestly, Chris, that is just a really crass thing to say. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Although the Ripken card launched many conspiracy theories as to whether the inclusion of its vulgar phrase was truly a mistake or a Fleer marketing ploy, there is a long history of errors making it through quality control in sports card production.
    Tyler Holzhammer, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The joke swap during last year's Christmas episode went to some particularly jaw-dropping places after Che made Jost read a vulgar joke about Johansson.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Currently, the Police Oversight office allows complainants to resolve more minor complaints, like when an officer is rude, by asking that the officer's supervisor to talk to them about their conduct.
    Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Asking a neighbor to shovel their side of the sidewalk is not inherently rude.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Straight from the can, most chicory coffee is a little too coarse for these cookies.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Trim the courgettes and peel the onion, then, using the coarse side of a box grater, grate them on to a clean tea towel or muslin.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • During pregnancy, common reasons for seeking care include early labor, bleeding, changes in fetal movement, or high blood pressure.
    MemorialCare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026
  • These are common occurrences on the Las Vegas Convention Center’s show floor during CES, which wrapped on Friday.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Welfare advocates, long highly critical of the San Jose animal shelter, are warning of a potential legal fight if the agency fails to improve animal care — accusing the city of neglect, gross negligence and repeating violations of state law.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The union’s counter proposal to the league would give players around 30% of the gross revenue.
    Doug Feinberg, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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