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
  • And given all of the drama leading into the event, pretty good marks and a relatively boring draft add up to a win.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • As an interactive greeter, Melody shows how smart AI can turn boring service kiosks into friendly, lifelike conversations.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s as childish an expression as the show ever shares.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The use of childish internet and video-game memes to describe violence is coarse and unworthy of the men and women who go in harm’s way.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Doxxing is just a form of stupid bullying, not free speech.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Healey must think ratepayers – who are burdened with some of the highest energy costs in the country – are pretty stupid and simple minded.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Too naive, too immature to understand.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The landscaping was sparse and immature.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flimsy nozzles crack and leak, and heavy-duty nozzles get tiring to hold when your garden calls for more watering time than your hands can handle.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Swift herself talked about how tiring the tour was and what her plans for the future were last October on BBC Radio 1 with Greg James.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Narrated by Josh Gad, Orangutan introduces us to Indah, an adolescent orangutan preparing to leave her family unit for the first time and venture into the wild.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Recently released from prison, coach Walt Mangian joins a local youth gym to help a ragtag team of adolescent boxers aspiring to a national championship.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • He is limited on passing downs and is more of a slow-burn pocket pusher than a man with a plan.
    Tobias Bass, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In some cases, lenders may cover the costs of buydown for you (either partially or in full), if the market is particularly slow.
    Aly J Yale, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The driver and a juvenile boy were both taken to the hospital with unknown injuries, according to the release.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Leatherman ran toward two juvenile bystanders while Selmer ran toward downtown Emmitsburg, according to documents.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 2026.

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