jejune

adjective

ji-ˈjün How to pronounce jejune (audio)
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
as in childish
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children an essay filled with jejune, simplistic opinions about international politics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. boring
  2. childish
  3. stupid
  4. immature
  5. tiring
  6. adolescent
  7. slow
  8. juvenile
Adjective
  • The main goal of the Cliq earplugs design is to be a stylish alternative to a usually boring piece of gear.
    — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Part ravioli, part lasagna, this one-skillet supper will save you from a boring Wednesday dinner.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Their ideas about it were often steeped in stereotypes suggesting that Buddhists were irrational and childish in their thinking.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 July 2026
  • While there is absolutely nothing childish about the property, there are crib and highchairs available, children’s menus at the hotel’s restaurant, and babysitting services that can be arranged through a third party.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026
Definition of childish
Adjective
  • Even when Romanzy goes off on how stupid and ugly Caleb is — and gossips that his parents abandoned him because something must be wrong with him — Mary goes along with it.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • Shockingly, the letter seems to be pushing for a return to standardized tests by, in effect, arguing that a growing percentage of their students are simply too stupid to succeed, no matter what professors do.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • The majority of the pest detections have been of immature life stages of the insect such as egg masses.
    — Lizzie Kane July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • From the first whistle, the Americans looked too clumsy, disconnected and immature to compete for the World Cup quarterfinals berth.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Definition of immature
Adjective
  • The 90 minutes or more will be highly physical and tiring, and only one will remain standing at the end.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • The head coach was clumsy in his response, saying — in effect — that the player is better suited to being an impact substitute and taking advantage of tiring opposition defenders.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • Additionally, occasional rule-breaking and defiance are considered a normal part of child and adolescent development.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • Ultimately, this visible lump is a permanent record of a hormonal change, primarily designed to be heard, reflecting the body's adolescent effort to project a larger presence.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of adolescent
Adjective
  • Still, as the game wore on to the waning moments, both teams were visibly sapped of energy and moving at a slower pace, including Haaland, who faded late in the game, was subbed out at the 105-minute mark and replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • The question is whether the stock price leaves enough room if that recovery is slower, messier, or pricier than hoped.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • The pipe burst released about 130 million gallons of water, trapped several workers, killed hundreds of juvenile Chinook salmon and damaged the New Colgate Powerhouse.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
  • One of the e-bike riders, a juvenile boy, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly thereafter, the release said.
    — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Definition of juvenile

Browse Nearby Words

Jehovah
jejune
jell
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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jejune

Nglish: Translation of jejune for Spanish Speakers

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