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inane

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of inane are banal, flat, insipid, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

Where would banal be a reasonable alternative to inane?

Although the words banal and inane have much in common, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When could flat be used to replace inane?

The words flat and inane are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.

although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

In what contexts can insipid take the place of inane?

In some situations, the words insipid and inane are roughly equivalent. However, insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When might jejune be a better fit than inane?

While in some cases nearly identical to inane, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When can vapid be used instead of inane?

While the synonyms vapid and inane are close in meaning, vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

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 inane
Adjective
Joking was her version of uncontrollable tears, but Dr. Fenton neither laughed nor pressed to see what was behind Lilian’s inane laughter. Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025 Musk could hold up Florida State as an example of this inane practice. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
However, even his uptempo contributions border on the inane. Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2022 HBO Max's row, although not listed as sponsored, suffers from the same inane, baseless content recommendations. Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for inane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
  • And yet, in certain ways, the film doesn’t go as deep as Orwell’s observations; its choice of illustrative material generally hews to contemporary party lines, even while showcasing wise words that render such distinctions all but meaningless.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • Passion projects are paused indefinitely, tasks feel meaningless, and things at work that used to make sense now just seem pointless.
    Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • If the grill cover cannot be removed, use a handheld vacuum, a vacuum fitted with a dusting attachment, or a microfiber cloth to dust the surface.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
  • Historically, Amazon has dropped deals on coveted finds like Apple AirPods Max, Dyson cordless vacuums, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, and more.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Worse still, perhaps, at times general-purpose generative AI will produce a heaping of psychobabble, seemingly impressive sounding mental health advice that is nothing more than babbling psychological words of nothingness, see my analysis at the link here.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Padres’ winter of nonsense and nothingness is no more.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Based on the classic ’70s hit, Match Game asks contestants to fill in the blank in a sentence, trying to match the answers of a panel of celebrity guests.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Thankfully, James Gunn took to social media over the weekend to fill in the blank.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1.06% at the open, while the Topix lost 0.85%.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • And now, Coinbase is set to become part of the S&P 500 starting at the open of trade on Monday, replacing Discover Financial Services, which is being acquired by Capital One Financial.
    Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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