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
  • Sometimes safe and boring can be a winning strategy.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • The cause can be something as simple as a lack of water or more complex, like fungal wilt diseases, tomato wilt viruses, walnut toxicity, or boring insects.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 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
  • The pyrotechnics, however, come from Amanda and Danielle, who get in one of those stupid fights that are only possible after a full day of drinking in a retro vehicle.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026
  • Yes, Ken really is this stupid.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The first thing a stressed cucumber plant will do is drop blossoms and immature fruit, says Gorlin-Crenshaw.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
  • The repetition accounts for immature pollen grains and mediates weather challenges by offering multiple opportunities for the pollen to transfer to the stigma.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • This method is particularly useful for larger homes, hallways, and staircases where kneeling repeatedly would quickly become cumbersome or tiring.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 13 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
  • The researchers looked at the adolescent’s subjective perception that a device was interfering with the relationship.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • But as our adolescent hero discovers, with great imagination comes great responsibility.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Virgo moon invites you to take a slower pace today.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The Targaryen civil war has been a bit of a slow burn so far, though both sides of the family have suffered major casualties.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to police, one woman was shot in the extremity, two juvenile males had lower extremity injuries, and an adult male and female with lower extremity injuries were admitted into area hospitals, all with non-life-threatening injuries.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • Nina Fróes, who was fired from her Chelmsford, Massachusetts, courtroom in April, had covered a juvenile docket toward the end of her tenure.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 20 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 24 Jun. 2026.

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