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
  • But no, the friend is not being rude.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is laughter and coarse language expected of a large group of men in their 20s and 30s, but mostly quiet focus.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Clay also benefits from a little coarse grit or sand to improve drainage.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The county bulletin states that rattlesnakes are common here, especially in rural or canyon areas.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The three-stage filtration system captures common airborne particles, while its 360-degree air intake efficiently pulls in and circulates air in rooms of up to 2,400 square feet.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And while the performances and the writing are still spackled with amusing barbs and observations about some of the grossest people in American life, The Audacity is missing a crucial forward momentum.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The lawsuit accused the Port of Bremerton of gross negligence and breach of contract for its failure to ensure safety at the marina.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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