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 Unable to project solemn grief, conservatives went with spectacle and crass remarks. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025 Also not missed are the crass laughs of the slicker 2012 film, which had an unpleasantly cynical, snide edge. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • When authorities asked King to remove the breast banner as vulgar, King taped over the nipples with stars made of tape or Magic Marker.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Sarah, the former Duchess of York, also sent emails to Epstein which included a vulgar mention of Eugenie, who had not yet turned 20 at the time, People reported.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To do so would be rude, politically perilous, insulting to our biggest trade partner and just plain weird.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The interactions would last 30 seconds, maybe, and no one was rude.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage—this will prevent root rot.
    Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
  • To create your own mix, use a combination of two parts potting soil and one part perlite or coarse sand to grow your spider plant in.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But seeking to expedite deportation has become a common action against asylum-seekers and other immigrants now battling their removal from the country in immigration courts.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
  • This can boost their resilience to withstand intense light, which is a common environmental challenge.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Funny and silly without being crass or gross.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Daryanani also noted that Apple’s recently reported revenue and EPS (earnings per share) for the December quarter exceeded expectations, with the company delivering better-than-expected gross margin, driven by limited memory impact and robust Services growth.
    TipRanks, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on crass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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