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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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
  • Sustainable growth feels boring from the inside.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The point is to make the boring stuff feel like a hangout, not to build a productivity system.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • This one has a charming clover shape to make your space feel animated, but not childish.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
  • The result feels comforting without skewing childish.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • His position is assumed, in turn, by the largest of the immature fish, who, thanks to the tragedy, finally gets to grow up.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • Even Stevens was never afraid to go all out for its constant string of gags and jokes, led by Shia LaBeouf as the immature prankster Louis Stevens.
    Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The head coach was clumsy in his response, saying — in effect — that the player is better suited to being an impact substitute and taking advantage of tiring opposition defenders.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • The chassis exhibits little flex, the buttons feel crisp and responsive, and the scroll wheel offers enough resistance to feel deliberate without becoming tiring.
    Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • That requires separating social media use from adolescent distress, loneliness, family instability, sleep disruption, bullying, genetics, psychiatric vulnerability, pandemic effects, and reverse causation.
    Alex Smolak, STAT, 27 June 2026
  • This unceasing pressure to build a perfect résumé seeps into every dimension of adolescent life, transforming activities that should be sources of joy and discovery into instrumental checkboxes.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • What to expect over the weekend Though Friday was expected to be the slowest day of the competition, the atmosphere at Cal Expo was anything but dull.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • Some residents are calling for civilian volunteers to help clear debris, frustrated by the slow pace of the rescue operations.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Union County Prosecutors Office announced that 18-year-old Vincent Battiloro of Garwood has been waived up to adult court and will be tried as an adult in connection with the murder of the two juvenile females.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • Councilman Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, asked about the main cause of juvenile detention in Porter County and JDAI Coordinator Chante Harden said drug possession and battery stemming from family conflicts were the main causes.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 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 30 Jun. 2026.

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