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 But is that crass move worthy of a $500,000 claim against the city? Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for crass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • Because at the time, Madonna was seen as this controversial and sort of vulgar character.
    Terry Gross, NPR, 17 July 2025
  • Users must also opt-in to see the vulgar version of Bad Rudi, rather than a more family-friendly version known simply as Rudi.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Most commenters support the original poster, writing that the aunt and uncle are the rude people in this situation.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • Stand up to anyone who bullies you, and call people out who are rude or behaving badly.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Montana Department of Labor & Industry reported that its top three imports from Canada in 2021 were crude oil, platinum waste and scrap, and conifer wood.
    Jenna Sundel Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • The Fort Worth water department is using the Village Creek Drying Beds as part of an emergency response to a spill of 2,600 barrels of crude oil near Lake Arlington in early May.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Washington reds once had a reputation for coarse tannins and high alcohol, largely due to a handful of wines that emulated the California styles popular over twenty years ago.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Worker ants have long legs and antennae and their bodies have numerous, long, coarse hairs.
    Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are several common areas to check for misconfigurations in a containerized environment.
    Margarita Simonova, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Heartburn is a common side effect of using weight loss injections.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crass

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