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 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 Often, the art created out of activism is productive and instructional, rather than crass or shocking, Duarte said. Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Colt Gray sent grandmother concerning texts In her testimony, Polhamus reviewed several angry, vulgar text messages from Colt Gray that showed his spiraling mental health and penchant for outbursts.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Brush was also behind an 1898 National League rule that prohibited indecent, vulgar or obscene language.
    Libby Cierzniak, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • His father calls me rude names and fights with my fiance.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026
  • By decreasing road manners, drivers increase the possibility of aggressive behavior becoming harmful rather than rude.
    Wyles Daniel, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The base is familiar — creamy yolks mashed with mayonnaise and coarse mustard — but the magic is in the mix-ins and toppings.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Stir in butter until coarse crumbs form.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What does the phrase squeaky bum time, the racehorse Devon Loch, and the Portuguese proverb ‘morrer na prais’ all have in common?
    Ian Irving, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Living spaces From the ceilings to the floors, there are ample spaces for dirt to hide in common living spaces.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The prosecution detailed nine separate errors made by Plamberger during the climb—from failing to bring bivy gear to failing to abide by a reasonable turnaround time—which collectively suggest a charge of gross negligence.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The online marketplace, which hosts many small businesses and artisan makers, also gave tepid guidance for first-quarter gross merchandise sales.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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