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 a not crass way, no matter what your vice of choice is, someone who enables that behavior, even just by being there, is a really relatable idea. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • As Dan’s relationship with Kolkena progressed, Betty reportedly left vulgar and threatening messages on the couple’s answering machine, prompting Dan to threaten criminal contempt action, according to the Los Angeles Times.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 May 2026
  • But demeaning our brand through association with vulgar demagogues is a losing strategy.
    Alma Hernandez, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • If Pan American Airways represented, at its height, victory and suavity, the country achieving a kind of European state of grace, then Spirit was the exact opposite—synonymous with the rowdy and the rude at the heart of the American character.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • But please don’t be that rude person calling over and over to someone who is not available at the time.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Keep moisture in the soil by adding a a 3- or 4-inch-thick layer of insulating, coarse wood (NOT BARK) mulch, leaving some bare sunny spots for ground dwelling native bees.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Cutting up large or coarse ingredients like banana peels will speed up their decomposition.
    Jessica Damiano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For example, most labels won’t tell you what kind of soil a plant needs; only some plants can handle the dense, alkaline clay soil common in the Chicago area.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Incidents are most common at night.
    Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Micron is projecting an 81% gross margin, and SanDisk an 82% margin.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • The company has reported making billions of dollars annually in gross revenue and has hundreds of millions of users.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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