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 The entire thing is at once undercooked and trying too hard: at quippy humor, at crass edginess, at shock value. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 Related Articles Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited? Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 10 May 2025 Grand Theft Auto is famous for its crass, satirical sense of humor. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 May 2025 The bold phrase caused an uproar among fans; while some praised the model for her bravado, others criticized her for being crass. Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Using vulgar, profane or indecent language in a loud or boisterous manner in the presence of children.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 June 2025
  • Between 12% and 13.3% of Americans, around 10% of Brits, and 9.4% of Australians used at least one vulgar word in their data.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly one in four Gen Z professionals viewed the thumbs-up as rude or hostile.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Mowing during a neighbor’s party is considered rude because the noise disrupts conversation and spoils the relaxed mood.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • In other dealings early Monday, U.S. benchmark crude oil lost 15 cents to $65.37 per barrel.
    Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established air quality standards for two types: coarse particles (PM10), 10 micrometers or smaller, and fine particles (PM2.5), 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
  • And Sánchez, who styles himself a modern, progressive man, surely knew how coarse and sexist these men were.
    Gina Montaner, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Orlando’s partnerships demonstrate what becomes possible when diverse organizations unite around a common purpose.
    Andry Sweet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Lifeguard services were once part of Imperial Beach’s fire department, a structure that is common in some cities.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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