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 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 This joyless, crass Platinum Dunes remake (directed by Marcus Nispel) regurgitates the original’s plot with additional gore but without any of the sharp wit. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 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
  • People at work have made rude comments pertaining to my hearing.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Though Jackson acknowledged that those time crunches can be stressful, being rude isn't the way to go.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, Jenkins notes that ingrown hairs and experiencing coarser hair growth can become a factor.
    Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Furthermore, the fine sand particles were dispersed and replaced by coarser sand particles, which covered the nest site.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 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
  • The second instalment in the franchise is the fifth highest Indian grosser of all time.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
  • However, the salary does come in behind the median gross annual earnings for full-time employees in the UK which, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, sits at £39,039 ($52,419) a year.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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