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 Alas, Deborah’s crass attempt to extort her fans immediately goes sideways. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026 Funny and silly without being crass or gross. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 While crass and lazy, the moniker did at least have a link to reality at a time when her male counterpart was excelling. Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Season 4 does introduce the three new Americans via Tender — an online payment system used for gambling and pornography sites, which becomes the focal point of Season 4 — with Penn’s Jonah bringing a crass brand of American humor to the season premiere. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Glamorous on the verge of vulgar, elegant yet unrestrained, and unmistakably luxurious.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026
  • Aimed mainly toward men between 18 and 49 years old, hot talk mixed vulgar jokes with talk about pop culture and politics and often took political positions contrary to feminism and liberalism.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Petrie didn’t only celebrate his own hits but pointed to rival shows like Sky’s Saturday Night Live UK and Prime Video’s Last One Laughing as proof that British comedy is in rude health.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 May 2026
  • Elizabeth continues to be an infuriating character, interrupting with rude and unhelpful asides throughout the entire family meeting, casually gnawing on an orange slice as Greg and Katie have a heart-to-heart across the table.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ask for another round of the appealingly coarse corn tortillas, for scooping up birria off a Jurassic-scale marrow bone.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Also, both models have the High heat setting, so both have the ability to dry even thick, coarse hair at top speed.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The most common reasons cited for detransition were pressure from a parent, harassment or discrimination, and that transitioning was too hard.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 16 May 2026
  • Insect Stings Stings from insects such as bees, wasps, ants, and flies are common triggers.
    Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by former YouTube filmmaker Curry Barker, the film opened at 2,615 North American theaters to gross about $16 million.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, the analyst expects Nvidia’s gross margin to be in line with expectations.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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