ho-hum 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhō-ˈhəm How to pronounce ho-hum (audio)
Definition of ho-humnext
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

as in boo

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 ho-hum
Adjective
Where pre-2020 San Jose might have seen packed lunch spots and ho-hum nightlife, that cycle has now flipped. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 Behr’s French Beige Beige homes often get a ho-hum reputation, but cloaked in Behr’s French Beige, your exterior sidesteps those stereotypes entirely, our experts say. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
Interjection
Scottie Scheffler, ho hum The world’s best golfer won The American Express yesterday in his first start of the year, which is both astounding and unsurprising. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust. — Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ho-hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ho-hum
  1. boring
  2. boo
  3. slow
  4. shucks
  5. tiring
  6. dull
  7. stupid
  8. weary
Adjective
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Interjection
  • Williams also recalled witnessing the Super Bowl crowd boo Taylor Swift when she was shown on the jumbotron cheering on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs.
    — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
Definition of boo
Adjective
  • Researchers used the device to process time-series data, including signals that contained both rapid and slow changes.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • However, there is another, slower and more insidious evacuation taking place, and that is the steady migration from rural areas all around the world to burgeoning cities, which now host more than half the world’s population.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Interjection
  • Those two characters served as the yin and yang for the early MCU — Stark the brash, rakish genius; Cap the stalwart, aw shucks warrior — that became the franchise’s gravitational center.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 15 Feb. 2024
  • That’s what’s got everybody’s eyes rolling, her aw shucks/ohmygod!
    — Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 7 July 2023
Definition of shucks
Adjective
  • Permanent Marker Removal Trying to scrub permanent marker away is tiring, time-consuming, and often futile without some type of product to loosen the marker.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • Cucumbers Cucumbers turn dull, yellow, and bitter if allowed to ripen.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And the company’s newest bot software automizes of the dullest jobs in retail — counting boxes.
    — Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • Walmart, Target and other retailers have been pushing discounts for the fall season, seeking to lure inflation-weary shoppers.
    — Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There were plenty of boulders to sit on, and even a chair someone hauled up for weary hikers.
    — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of weary

Browse Nearby Words

hog wild
ho-hum
ho hum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ho-hum. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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