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 fact, the very term anti-Semitism was popularized by Wilhelm Marr, a German nationalist who sought to distinguish his anti-Jewish ideology from the crass bigotry of the common folk by dressing his hate up in pseudoscientific terms. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 But those efforts did their part to contribute to the overall sense of the Cannes Film Festival as the center of the moviegoing world for 11 days in May, somewhere where crass corporate product lived alongside uncompromising arthouse efforts in a broad-spectrum display of what constitutes cinema. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2026 Directed by Nicolas Athane and Marco Nguyen, Jim Queen is a crass, profane, giddily stupid romp through a heap of stereotypes about gay life in Paris. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast.
    Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
  • Sean Goode, a former Canton police sergeant who was working the night of John O'Keefe's death and testified during the first Karen Read trial, allegedly sent dozens of vulgar text messages, according to an independent investigation.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • It’s considered rude to answer one’s phone on public transport or in a restaurant, for example.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
  • When healths were raised during the eighteenth century, it was considered rude or antisocial not to go along with them.
    Brooke Barbier, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Many alternative plant fibers are shorter, coarser and less elastic than cotton or wool, complicating processing on conventional machinery.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 2026
  • Add shortening and continue cutting in until flour is pale yellow and resembles coarse cornmeal with butter bits no larger than small peas.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • By the time Cape Verde faced Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions captained by all-time great Lionel Messi, soccer fans found common cause in rooting for the underdog.
    Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • The last death at San Fermín’s bull runs occurred in 2009, but gorings and broken bones are common, partly due to the large number of novice bull runners and foreign tourists who join the experienced locals.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • The company remains primarily B2C and is on pace to do $1 billion in gross booking value this year, just for accommodations.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The rollout is forecasted to amass $10 million to $15 million in gross sales revenue.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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