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 Italy were insipid against the Swiss in that Euros defeat this time last year. James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for insipid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insipid
Adjective
  • Food made by white people is often associated with and critiqued for being bland and unseasoned.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
  • This is not bland comfort food.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, tracking demand for electricity was a boring task marked by little to no change.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Uranus has already been demanding freedom in your day-to-day, pushing you to ditch boring structures.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This discovery becomes a tear in the banal fabric of everyday life, in which Maria reluctantly assumes the triad of caretaker, undertaker and executor – faced with a series of subdued and, at times, perverse bureaucratic exchanges.
    Olivia Bennett, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
  • In this scenario, the Kremlin could meet a moment where its resistance to the banal inconveniences of reality, and the economic hardship of its own people, turns toxic.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Mineral oil is a tasteless, odorless oil that doesn't soak into the skin.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Here's hoping the next First Family doesn't just reverse policy but rips out every bit of this tasteless mess.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Horror of this scale has the effect of deadening words, making stories of the most unimaginable violence land with a dull thud.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The water wasn’t quite as hot as the Braun, and the coffee was just a hair duller in taste.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The routine can be tiring because both are raising young children.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Since travel can be tiring, Candow doubles his dose to 20 grams to counter jet lag from international trips.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insipid. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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