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
  • Planking was boring and uncomfortable, but Reso and Copeland changed that, and that’s what made Marinovsky interested.
    James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Wrap these accessories around your waist to help define your figure in a loose-fitting dress or around your hips to add personality to an otherwise boring pair of pants.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Democrats could dismiss this line of attack as childish and homophobic.
    Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 11 June 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
  • Fans wear their favorite players’ name, beg for their autograph and spend stupid amounts of money just to be in their proximity.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Not every bee was successful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s such a thing as a stupid bumblebee, Loukola says.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The agency notes that the wipes are predominantly used on newborns, infants, and young children, who are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their immature immune systems.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026
  • Edamame is young, immature soybeans.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Florence can also be hot, crowded and tiring, even outside peak summer.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 7 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Women with thyroid disorders or a history of disordered eating should consult a clinician first, as should pregnant or breastfeeding women, adolescent girls and those under high chronic stress.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
  • Women with thyroid disorders, a history of disordered eating, high chronic stress, adolescent girls and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a clinician before starting.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • A little snow in the morning; cloudy, chilly; slow and slippery travel in the morning; improving road conditions in the afternoon.
    Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Liverpool have been much slower starters, getting outscored 6-8 in Premier League first halves (and 1-4 in the opening 15 minutes of their games).
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1956, Robert Heinlein published his juvenile novel Time for the Stars, which is about twin brothers, one of whom goes on a voyage to the stars while the other remains on Earth.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2025
  • But solutions to the problem are debated among Tarrant County officials and juvenile justice advocates.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Dec. 2025
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 18 Jun. 2026.

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