inane 1 of 2

inane

2 of 2

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
  • Trivial, meaningless or low-quality media that have perceived negative effects.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Zhu compared himself to an old official under a new emperor; the change had left him with little to do but punch in and write meaningless reports.
    Lavender Au, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond sensing, the device could help study phenomena like vacuum gravity.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
  • And those two things, the flood and Carmine Falcone being killed, and there being a power vacuum in Gotham City.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This would not have been a serious consideration midway through Newcastle’s 2-0 win against struggling, flailing Nottingham Forest — the nothingness of half-time was like a blessed relief — but a stodgy, slow-burning afternoon concluded with Howe’s team comfortable and edging towards dominance.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • United Rentals upgraded to a buy from hold at Baird, which sees an acceleration in equipment rentals after a long time of nothingness.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The friends said the prop gun only fired blanks.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
  • And then there's these little, sort of, smaller efforts to legalize X or Y or Z, fill in the blank.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Divorce just brings them out in the open.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025
  • When Guerrero came up in the third inning with a base open, the Yankees elected to intentionally walk him.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!