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

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.
Recent Examples of jejune Her phrasing wrested maximum meaning from words such that an ordinarily jejune tune now resonated as some aural pipeline to the soul itself. Colin Fleming, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jejune
Adjective
  • Christian flat out tells Bryan to do anything else because the gown is so boring, but Bryan could not be more disinterested in his advice.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Just a year ago, $100,000 was considered a relatively 'boring’ price for bitcoin.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Designing a kid-friendly room no longer means settling for decor that looks childish.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2026
  • The basics of investing are set out in accessible, but not childish, terms, and the little tutorials are free of any hint of edutainment or corniness.
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Parametric modeling, especially when weighted down with decades of AutoCAD’s stupid UI/UX choices, was even harder than programming.
    Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
  • The simplest explanation is that Vance believes his voters are stupid.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • If speed and trust are still presented as a trade-off in 2026, that is a sign of an immature solution, not an inherent limitation.
    Susan Laine, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Edamame Edamame are young, immature soybeans harvested early.
    Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • Clothing that handles part of the pulling and positioning could make mornings less tiring.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Myocarditis, in particular, has been most typically seen in adolescent and young adult males within a week of their second mRNA Covid vaccine dose, but the CDC says that most patients respond well to medicine and rest and feel better quickly.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Everything since has come from that - the Dispelling the Myths series from 2001, the training work at Panos Caribbean, and in 2008 EVE for Life, when my own research showed me that adolescent girls and young women were the gap nobody was filling.
    Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The slow pace continued for a while, but eventually, Punk took down Rhodes with a leaping heel kick and tweaked his knee.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Long days were spent cleaning, drawing and waiting for customers during slow periods, all while mastering a craft that permanently alters another person’s body.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The brothers, longtime sport fishermen who live in Massachusetts, released a juvenile tiger shark in late July after catching it from a beach.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Colt Gray’s jail counselor, Stephen Baker, later confirmed their juvenile inmates are not allowed to have photos of school shooters.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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