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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
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
Noun
The ugliness of this wasteful, inane operation has instantly turned the American public against the president and his party on his signature issue of immigration. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 Defender Kathrin Hendrich had been dismissed for an inane hair-pull, and the subsequent penalty had been converted. Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for inane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
  • Because the Patriots would go on to score 42 consecutive points before a meaningless touchdown drive by the Panthers in the final minutes, Canales’ head-scratching call the play before Jones’ return has drawn scrutiny.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The big numbers coming into the Giants’ otherwise meaningless season finale were 163, 217 and 30.
    Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But most important, its vacuum design is quiet, easy to use, and eliminates mess.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Pull appliances out from the wall and vacuum and mop underneath.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Eckhardt’s commentaries on God and scripture are dense and recursive, breaking ideas into component parts, placing them onto higher and lower planes, making hierarchies and triads out of them until eventually becoming something like an investigation into being and nothingness themselves.
    Jon Raymond August 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
  • At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love—what is the point?
    Greg Norman , David Spunt, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Toklas filled in the blanks for him, sometimes unwittingly.
    Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Hissrich mentions needing to fill in a lot of the blanks left in that character's story in the books.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The good news is these numbers are being brought out into the open instead of being normalized.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Everything’s out in the open now.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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