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
  • And even if that feels rude by the standards of today, people were forced to answer her questions and answer to the things that the public wanted to know.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 June 2025
  • There are so many things that can be off or what if just the woman walks in and just is not attracted to the guy or the man is rude to the waiter.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 21 June 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
  • Commercial or bulk matcha is often a dull yellowish or brown color, coarse in texture, and noticeably bitter.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Vogue, 20 June 2025
  • The best conditioners for gray hair help with this shift by targeting brassiness and yellow undertones, dullness, and dry or coarse textures.
    Jessie Quinn, Glamour, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The bodysuit may be the most common item of clothing to wear under a see-through dress.
    Bianca Lambert, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Tick bites are most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Upper Midwest, with much of the region considered high risk for Lyme disease.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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