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

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 insipid Amidst their insipid competition to win Harris’ favor, the three daughters lament that none of them will ever truly be their father’s favorite, as that title belongs to the daughter who never grew up: the actual youngest Sinclair daughter, Rosemary. Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025 Little Dog asks, an insipid comparison that illuminates only the fungibility of abstract nouns. Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025 But the insipid Premier League displays that have pushed the club to the lower reaches of the table mean there is a scarcity of belief that such an outcome will come to pass. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 But her second feature, while quite slick, has the insipid feel of a Lifetime movie. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for insipid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insipid
Adjective
  • If your instinct, in other words, is to smooth things over with a bland fabrication, try dropping a tiny truth bomb instead.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Overall, Delta’s hope is that by scaling up the culinary quality level, the age-old reputation of bland, tasteless airline food will be a thing of the past.
    Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Without getting into spoilers, her one-and-done appearance in Episode 5 presents the perfect opportunity for the more-than-capable Meester to match wits with Bell’s judgmental Joanna, only to strand the actor with boring, obvious jokes and saddle her with a feeble resolution.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Now, adidas is also proving that hiking boots don’t have to look boring, since the brand’s perfect-for-fall versions are attractive as can be, what with their mingling of brown with other earth tones.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of a hearty stew of beans, meat, and spices like cumin and chili powder, Skyline or Cincinnati chili is a thinner, slightly sweet meat sauce with strong notes of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
  • What the team found instead was a thin layer of clay, less than one-hundredth of an inch thick, which had formed on top of the animals’ skin.
    Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Also like Lynch, Robinson’s onscreen world hums with quiet dread, a sense that something sinister lurks just beneath the veil of the everyday banal.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Were the subject banal or frivolous, the approach would offer no more than one caper after another.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The worst are lumps of yuck thanks to cheap, tasteless ingredients.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Hooking up with your ex in high school or college is tasteless.
    Sarah John, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Probably something dull and unpaid.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Watch for warning signs like dropping buds and dull-looking foliage, which indicate the soil is too dry for this plant.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Braun was solid before tiring and working through injuries that affected him on the ball over the final month last season.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of a chance to flex their goalscoring muscles, United had to grit their teeth and see out a gruelling, tense, tiring second half.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insipid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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