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
  • Shopping on a budget doesn't have to be boring.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • For the boring old textbook reason of shifting interest rate differentials.
    Kelly Evans, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Maybe this is just appealing to my simplest, most childish instincts, reacting to bright colours like a toddler might.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026
  • When Smith drives us in the golf cart, hunched close to the wheel, a look of childish mischief spreads over his face.
    Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What happens, though, when those excesses transcend the merely stupid, the merely unjust, to become existential?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • People who approve of ICE’s actions aren’t necessarily stupid or evil.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike older drugs, this formula safely accounts for a baby’s immature metabolism.
    Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
  • This is really a way to tell the story from a much more immature point of view.
    Joe Lynch, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • When Jensen was tiring of running her own business, her little brother did her the same favor of helping her land a job with the cannabis dispensary From The Earth at their Brookside location, where she was quickly hired and loved by her coworkers.
    PJ Green January 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Although Richardson has only appeared in 25 of the 36 contests so far in his rookie campaign, the near first-half of his first year as a professional has been tiring for the 20-year-old who’s continued to adjust to his new life in Orlando.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced major changes to its childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, an age-by-age guide for health care providers on when to vaccinate children to protect them from preventable diseases.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some folks who were moving a little slow, some folks wanted to dilute the Canadiana or the Big C Canadian of it.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In practice, the process is slow, burdensome, and uncertain.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Court documents in the federal prosecution of the employee, Jacob Melvin Hart, indicate there could be more juvenile victims from Crossline Community Church.
    Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
  • In 2021, Colvin successfully petitioned to have her juvenile arrest record expunged.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 24 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 2026.

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