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 In the series adaptation, from creator, executive producer and co-showrunner Turner (Up In The Air, X-Men First Class), a ruthless and crass barbarian is cursed to only use his violence for good, which sends him, his talking axe and a young witch on a road of self discovery, redemption and revenge. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 May 2026 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, 2 May 2026 The culprits are Hill and Ezra Woods, and even if the rest of the gags in Outcome are less crass, there’s still little that’s funny about them. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Apr. 2026 Funny and silly without being crass or gross. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Her husband says that's a very vulgar pet.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 May 2026
  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s biographer Andrew Lownie shared a vulgar pickup line that the former prince allegedly used while trying to pick up women.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • There is a profound difference between rude political commentary and language that normalizes violence against other human beings.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
  • In other words, leaving early isn't inherently rude.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The global public square has been getting coarser for years, and social media has played a big part in the deterioration.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 1 June 2026
  • Add Fresh Mulch Mulch with a coarse or sharp texture—such as large wood chips—can irritate a snake's belly scales.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • In 1863, representatives of football clubs from the larger London area met to discuss the formation of a football association and a common set of rules.
    Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
  • Fires are common ⁠at Kenyan schools, with many set by students protesting harsh discipline and poor conditions, researchers have found.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, when prices spent a considerable amount of time under $3 a gallon on average, gas added about a tenth of a percentage point to the company’s gross margin.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
  • Although corporate profits are booming, labor's share of gross domestic income has fallen to 51%, the lowest in 79 years that records have been kept, the Wall Street Journal reported.
    Matt Peterson, CNBC, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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