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

Examples of crass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And despite her scores of achievements, there are still people online who are making crass comments about Biles. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 3 Aug. 2024 The show is never crass and does not overpush its genuinely warm welcome from the work-weary. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2024 But his story about the lovably crass ogre has lead to three sequels — with another on the way — and two spinoff films focused on recurring character, Puss in Boots. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024 But Biden has always vacillated between invoking bipartisanship and throwing sharp partisan elbows, emphasizing civility while attacking his opponents in the crassest political terms. W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for crass 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crass.' 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 crass

Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on crass

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