Definition of jejunenext
1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest another moralizing tale filled with jejune platitudes

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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
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In just a few short weeks, his childish, naive world becomes brutally adult.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • As Democrats and Republicans point the finger of blame at each other, even resorting to childish name calling, Americans are put in the uncomfortable position of trying to figure out who’s being truthful and who is lying.
    Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the first stage, 3 to 6 months in a mouse [about 20 to 30 years in a human], there is a loss of certain fat and muscle cells, and of two immature cell types in the brain that have the capacity to regenerate different types of brain tissue.
    Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The science remains too immature to show whether such behavior is inevitable, Hobbhahn says.
    Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Permanent Marker Removal Trying to scrub permanent marker away is tiring, time-consuming, and often futile without some type of product to loosen the marker.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The desire for teens to overhaul their look during high school is a healthy part of adolescent development.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Child and adolescent family therapist Darby Fox explains how teens view social media.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Those include Japan’s massive debt that exceeds 200% of GDP, fiscal stimulus that’s expected to worsen the deficit, and a central bank that’s been slow to raise rates in the face of high inflation.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • With two outs, Junior Caminero hit a slow roller on a 1-2 slider that third baseman Encarnacion-Strand could not field cleanly for a run-scoring infield single.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And it must be said that while the material is thoroughly juvenile, the films impart valuable messages to their impressionable viewers.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
  • After the altercation, the juvenile employee recalled that Grayson appeared to lower herself to the floor in the dining area.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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