as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ho hum
Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
Depending on whether the context is stable (everyday ho hum) or unstable (e.g., COVID-19; tariff wars; geopolitical instability etc.), the cues that get signalled and the way leaders signal these messages change.
—Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2025
The set, which includes pillowcases, sheets, and a duvet cover, is a striking addition that will wake up even the most ho-hum bedscape.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ho hum
Adjective
The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust.
—Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
Depending on whether the context is stable (everyday ho hum) or unstable (e.g., COVID-19; tariff wars; geopolitical instability etc.), the cues that get signalled and the way leaders signal these messages change.
—Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Interjection
Stroud had a nice second year, but didn’t challenge the elite tier at the position and his Texans had a relatively ho-hum season, finishing with the same record and another divisional round loss.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2025
The set, which includes pillowcases, sheets, and a duvet cover, is a striking addition that will wake up even the most ho-hum bedscape.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ho hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ho hum
Adjective
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And producers are looking again for the serious, boring money with no strings attached.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
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The resulting larvae both look and act like screws, boring and twisting into the animal while feasting on its living flesh.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The slow start that Mayfield is alluding to has to do with the Buccaneers only scoring two field goals through the first half, and scoring their first touchdown well into the third quarter.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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Construction in the section of Jackson Park, often described as Chicago’s equivalent of Central Park, has been slow.—
Christine Valora,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The first trimester was always tiring.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
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Without a strict hierarchy or single decision-maker, our process can sometimes be slow, messy, or even tiring.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Boosting Serum is a lightweight, brightening formula designed to even tone and revive dull, tired skin.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Sep. 2025
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The best clarifying shampoo can completely transform a lackluster shower routine, deep cleansing hair, exfoliating the scalp, and banishing excess oils and product buildup that leave strands flat, dull, or frizz-prone.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The real star of this episode, however, was Gretchen Christine Beauté and her stupid Lara Croft outfit.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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Among the colorful cast of rogues, villains, queens and clergymen, Andre The Giant stands out as the young suitor’s kind-hearted but stupid brute.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the story, Raina is a young Bulgarian woman who must choose between her militant fiancé, Sergius, and the kind, war-weary soldier Bluntschli, who has sought out refuge in her bedroom.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Sep. 2025
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Audience members and commissioners grew weary.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
Interjection
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The new iPad Pro marks the point midway between the way things were (Bezel? Yuck!) and the way they soon will be (Nothing but screen.—
David Pierce,
WIRED,
12 June 2017
Adjective
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The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested and charged with capital murder.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
26 Sep. 2025
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That Tamra and Gretchen are both doing the same thing, trafficking in old rumors and nastiness not about the husband, as Meredith Marks would say, but about each other.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ho hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ho%20hum. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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