Definition of jejunenext
1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest another moralizing tale filled with jejune platitudes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jejune distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jejune are banal, flat, inane, insipid, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When might banal be a better fit than jejune?

While the synonyms banal and jejune are close in meaning, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

Where would flat be a reasonable alternative to jejune?

While in some cases nearly identical to jejune, 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 jejune?

The words inane and jejune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

When is insipid a more appropriate choice than jejune?

The words insipid and jejune can be used in similar contexts, but insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When would vapid be a good substitute for jejune?

In some situations, the words vapid and jejune are roughly equivalent. However, vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jejune
Adjective
  • If your summer wardrobe is feeling a bit boring or outdated, don’t fret — Amazon just added tons of new styles to its sale section, and my top picks are all going for $10 or less.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • Finally, the institution must be financially boring.
    Christos Korgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Giant, a play about Dahl running on Broadway through June, is anything but childish.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
  • Garrincha was characterised as childish and moronic in psychological tests commissioned by the Brazilian federation before that tournament in Sweden and was then left out of their first two games.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • And that was so arrogant and stupid on my part.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • At some point, Brandon Aiyuk has to learn that stupid decisions come with consequences.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • On a blind date, his descriptions of magical griffins and burning deserts sound humiliatingly immature.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • Beckham is charismatic and generally more thoughtful than the perception created by the impulsive or immature decisions that create headlines.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The longtime Florida coach swapped a tiring McDonald for Russell Sandefer with one out in the top of the sixth inning.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
  • By combining both the heated air flow of a blow dryer and a round brush in a single tool, this product is much simpler and less tiring to use than working with a separate hair dryer and round brush.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • This ideal of masculinity is not a patriarch but a perpetual adolescent, endlessly irresponsible and endlessly indulged.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
  • The diary became a map of adolescent rivalry.
    Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Recovery of the bodies has been slow because of the chemicals and other hazards present at the site, Amos explained.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • One of the most painful things about this disease is knowing that promising treatments are emerging, but funding barriers and manufacturing and procedural slow-downs continue to derail progress.
    Elise Esposito, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • His new path takes him to grad school at Columbia University, with hopes to one day start his own nonprofit, Camp Reese, a bootcamp-style alternative to juvenile incarceration.
    Rina Nakano, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Plans are in motion, however, to reuse the Lincoln Developmental Center, a compound for developmentally disabled adults that was closed years ago, as a juvenile justice facility.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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