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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
The latest irritant to cross our paths is the inane newest tinkering with the digital subscription. Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025 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
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
  • Without the artist, the law becomes meaningless.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • On Saturday, a group of Texas A&M fans gathered in a hole in the LSU student section and did some of LSU’s cheers after the Tigers scored a meaningless touchdown in the final moments.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Think of these robotic vacuums as your very own Rosey from The Jetsons.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Bring it back indoors and vacuum, disengaging the beater bars.
    Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Known as cosmic inflation, this strange, fleeting period is usually considered to have been an expansion of near nothingness because, at the time, most of the universe’s elementary particles had yet to blink into existence.
    Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The first part of the drive is notable for its nothingness — nearly 90 minutes of sand, sagebrush, prickly pear and juniper.
    Matt Villano, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An episode featuring Brody’s real-life wife Leighton Meester tries to fill in some backstory blanks, as does an episode that spells out how Joanne’s parents’ divorce impacted her.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But an engine fueled by filling in the blanks isn’t built to last, and these dots, once connected, prove tacky and sour (especially without Pennywise, who’s notably absent for most of the season).
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And the ones who wear suits and walk during the day, out in the open.
    Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Solstice Advanced Materials , newly spun off from Honeywell, and DuPont are before Thursday's open.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 31 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 Nov. 2025.

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