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
This idea, presented as a somewhat inane gesture of pragmatic engagement, instead provoked strong opposition from world leaders, who condemned it as both strategically misguided and morally indefensible. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Immediately, the divine collides with the inane, and Goddess runs into a fundamental dramatic snare. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
  • The Russo-Ukrainian war, and the Israel-Iran conflict have both shown that sophistication alone is meaningless if delivered in teaspoon doses.
    Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • My worry is that AI use becomes ubiquitous enough that the label becomes meaningless—like saying a house was built with a pneumatic brad nailer versus a hammer.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The company also showed off the Max10 Ultra, a hybrid robot vacuum that can automatically swap between three different sets of mop heads based on the flooring type.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Vipsun Cordless Vacuum Run the vacuum over hard floors and carpets to suck up dirt, pet hair, dust, crumbs and other debris.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 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
  • Students could then be assigned a diagram of the water cycle with missing labels; filling in the blanks on the diagram offers them a hands-on activity to reinforce the information in the quiz.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During Mayers’ three-week criminal trial, an eyewitness testified that Rocky only had a prop gun firing blanks the night of the confrontation.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Residents of the Nurgal district of Kunar have left their homes to live in tents, on the surrounding high land near a river, or in the open, for fear of more tremors.
    Mohammad Yunus Yawar, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The gap lower at the open is what most traders are watching.
    Jay Woods, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 11 Sep. 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!