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 Funny and silly without being crass or gross. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 While crass and lazy, the moniker did at least have a link to reality at a time when her male counterpart was excelling. Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • The word was considered so vulgar that it was left out of early dictionaries and was rarely printed, though Adams says people were certainly using it.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One day, Dahlstrom made a vulgar joke in a lunchroom referencing oral sex and pubic hair, according to the employee.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pete Hegseth rebukes 'rude' reporter who interrupted Pentagon briefing on Iran.
    , FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, wearing baseball caps backward is considered a rude violation of etiquette, and going barefoot is not allowed.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But his uppercase blasts, chest-thumping rants and coarse insults are more likely now to draw a Gallic shrug.
    Serge Schmemann, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Position the bed in an area that receives lots of sunshine and mix a well-draining rocky or gritty soil blend by combining equal parts potting soil and coarse sand or fine gravel.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ahead, the most common travel wardrobe mistakes that date your outfits—and exactly what to pack instead for a suitcase that feels effortless, cohesive, and timeless.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Her official diagnosis was progesterone and estrogen-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are some pretty gross, petty and violent acts of revenge.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The 88,500-gross-ton ship can accommodate up to 2,134 guests and 930 crew members on board.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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