Synonyms of insipid

insipid

adjective

in-ˈsi-pəd 

1

as in bland

lacking in taste or flavor

an apple pie with a mushy, insipid filling that strongly resembled soggy cardboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bland
• thin
• tasteless
• plain
• flavorless
• flat
• weak
• unsavory
• savorless
• dead
• dilute
• watery
• unflavored

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loathsome
• tasty
• disgusting
• distasteful
• tasteful
• flavorful
• unpalatable
• sickening
• savory
• unappetizing
• mawkish
• cloying
• delicious
• palatable
• delectable
• savoury
• sapid
• appetizing
• flavorsome
• piquant
• spicy
• rich
• seasoned
• keen
• heavy
• flavored
• toothsome

2

as in boring

lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character

an insipid and somewhat boring movie about teenagers in love

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bland
• boring
• banal
• dull
• tiring
• weak
• subdued
• watery
• milk-and-water
• flat
• wishy-washy
• namby-pamby
• vapid
• heavy
• uninteresting
• unexciting
• monotonous
• uninspiring
• tedious
• inane
• lifeless
• weary
• dry
• drab
• wearying
• tiresome
• humdrum
• unrewarding
• dreary
• pedestrian
• wearisome
• innocuous
• ponderous
• leaden
• ordinary
• inoffensive
• mild
• soft
• tame
• commonplace
• unexceptional
• stale
• jading
• common

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• poignant
• pungent
• piquant
• spicy
• racy
• substantial
• exciting
• entertaining
• inspiring
• thrilling
• meaty
• invigorating
• galvanizing

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insipid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of insipid are banal, flat, inane, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When is banal a more appropriate choice than insipid?

In some situations, the words banal and insipid are roughly equivalent. However, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When might flat be a better fit than insipid?

The words flat and insipid 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 inane take the place of insipid?

The meanings of inane and insipid largely overlap; however, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

Where would jejune be a reasonable alternative to insipid?

Although the words jejune and insipid have much in common, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When can vapid be used instead of insipid?

The words vapid and insipid can be used in similar contexts, but vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of insipid

Performances range from bad to worse (Jude Law as Captain Hook is permanently running on fumes), Neverland is a dreary landscape of muted greens and browns, and the story becomes an insipid take on an adventurous classic. —Barry Levitt, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025

The framing, blocking, and overall visual grammar have a condescending air, as if directors have surrendered to some insipid idea of who their audience is. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025

Sometimes the video was insipid, but that hardly mattered. —David Rowell, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024

Final flourishes offer confusion: Kora confronts a giant Kali statue (Hindu myth replicating the insipid Issa ideal). —Armond White, National Review, 9 Aug. 2024