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

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 jejune Her phrasing wrested maximum meaning from words such that an ordinarily jejune tune now resonated as some aural pipeline to the soul itself. Colin Fleming, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jejune
Adjective
  • Anyone looking to change their old, boring, heavy bag routine should consider a boxing reflex ball.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
  • Peace lily The peace lily may be one of the most common flowering houseplants around, but this tranquil botanical with tropical origins is anything but boring.
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The basics of investing are set out in accessible, but not childish, terms, and the little tutorials are free of any hint of edutainment or corniness.
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The portrait of Musk that emerges here is that of a childish, terminally online man who desires to eliminate the messiness of contemporary life for a more rigid order.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Parametric modeling, especially when weighted down with decades of AutoCAD’s stupid UI/UX choices, was even harder than programming.
    Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
  • The simplest explanation is that Vance believes his voters are stupid.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • For most of his life, however, Boukamp was viewed as socially awkward, immature, and emotionally isolated.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Edamame Edamame are young, immature soybeans harvested early.
    Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • Clothing that handles part of the pulling and positioning could make mornings less tiring.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Globally, adolescent girls spend more time than boys performing household chores.
    Courtney Busch, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The brain’s reward and emotional systems develop earlier than the executive function centers that provide impulse control, and this imbalance peaks during the adolescent years.
    J. Todd R. Lawrence, STAT, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • General Daily Insight for July 26, 2026 A slower pace could reveal what pressure has been hiding.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • With a boat launch, any size motors are invited, but must be operated at a slow no-wake speed, according to the park website.
    Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Doe continued to see Drotts after the probation department released him from the juvenile facility on April 3, 2026, Burris said.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
  • Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said the teenager was being held in juvenile detention for firearms violations and first-degree assault.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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