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
  • Swapping any boring sweater with this one will instantly upgrade your travel wardrobe (without much effort at all).
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
  • He was meant to only be the stick-in-the-mud boring guy.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Giant, a play about Dahl running on Broadway through June, is anything but childish.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 31 May 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
  • 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
  • By combining both the heated air flow of a blow dryer and a round brush in a single tool, this product is much simpler and less tiring to use than working with a separate hair dryer and round brush.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • This ideal of masculinity is not a patriarch but a perpetual adolescent, endlessly irresponsible and endlessly indulged.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
  • The diary became a map of adolescent rivalry.
    Kate Casey, Vanity Fair, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Dems slow to embrace data center resistance McMillan Cottom suggested that no public officials on the right or the left have perfected their messaging to align with anti-data center sentiments.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
  • Eating a donut earlier in the day is easier on your body than eating it at night when insulin sensitivity and metabolism slow.
    Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • He was charged with felony disorderly conduct and detained for eight days at a juvenile facility in Kane County.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • Police said the driver, a juvenile male, was found shot and died at the scene.
    Brandon Downs, CBS News, 13 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 15 Jun. 2026.

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