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

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
However, after a year's worth of ho-hum post-earnings price action, this could be the one that reignites the fire. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The ho-hum on Supergirl was further exacerbated by the response to the first trailer and the takeaway from CinemaCon (the bus battle scene wasn’t entirely embraced when shown in the room). — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 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
Adjective
  • Harrison’s sociological portrait is attuned to the common idea that disaster can quickly become boring—or all too quickly assimilated and ignored.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026
  • No one is going to notice a boring man in chunky acetate frames.
    — Tyler Watamanuk, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Increasingly, there are elevated places to stay that preserve the soul of this place, opening in a slow trickle like Valbona Resort and Spa (2024) and SeSam Villas in Theth (2025).
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The Bears jumped out to a 9-2 lead as USC was slow getting going offensively and committed three quick turnovers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Using a touch screen even makes sense for limited interaction by digital content editors of all stripes, but reaching across the keyboard a lot is tiring, as with any touch laptop.
    — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Forget your previous experience—many of us think that exercise should be tiring and painful to work.
    — Laura Solla, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Just like many of his neighbors, the sound of the Delciello’s bell sent Carmody scrambling to round up tools and knives that needed their dull blades refreshed.
    — Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Spend your peak time on low-value work, and your axe will be dull for everything that counts.
    — Jeremy Macliver, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • That new development was in conjunction with head coach and top coordinator salaries that went from stupid to offensive.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In the end, that was stupid, because these things were actually trapped.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • However, not everyone shared that sense of relief or the weary desire to move fully on from the war.
    — Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Written and directed by Sun Aoqian, the film stars Song Jia as a weary crematorium worker who accidentally mixes up two sets of funeral ashes.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ho-hum. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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