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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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
  • Stick with boring investments to avoid big mistakes from get-rich-quick schemes.
    Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Hosting every summit in a big European city would alleviate much of the pressure to re-invent the wheel every time with respect to hotels, transit, and other boring but essential logistical details.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something mystical about him and a little bit childish.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • This does not imply that college students should be taught childish skills but rather acknowledges the need to foster emotional coping skills and positive relationships throughout the academic careers of students.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • No Broward program can possibly be as wasteful and downright stupid as the Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS).
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025
  • This sounds very stupid, but there’s an idea in my mind.
    David Mack, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • When the eggs hatch, the immature stages start feeding.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Why is the administration favoring advanced nuclear and next-gen geothermal which are commercially immature compared with wind and solar?
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Superman’s meh international returns can also be understood as reflective of the worldwide audience tiring of Hollywood’s cultural diktats.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
  • With both sets of players tiring, the best chance of the 30-minute period would fall to substitute Salma Paralluelo, who could not divert Batlle’s cross towards goal from four yards out.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • His adolescent daughter Louise was standing beneath a big top in a rural French town preparing to enter the center ring.
    April White, JSTOR Daily, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The movement’s salience can be attributed to three pillars: its relative discretion, its algorithmic monopoly and the collective feeling of disenfranchisement among adolescent and teenage men.
    Preeti Kulkarni, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Burrow hopes that feeling the rush and gaining real reps working the pocket will help lessen the impact of opening-week clunkers that contributed to the team’s slow starts.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Three organic meats are on offer for Sunday roast: slow roasted Black Angus, with creamed horseradish; succulent Tamworth Pork with bramley apple sauce and Texel Lamb with a classic mint sauce.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As of July 29, there have been 33% more juvenile victims of gun violence compared with last year, and 18% more juveniles 17 and under have been caught with guns compared with last year, according to police.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Long spoke on the city's programming for youth, which has been a major element of the city's plan to combat juvenile crime during the summertime.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 30 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.

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