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
  • Jasmine[‘s character] has a husband, a daughter, a boring life sometimes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • These recipes for muffins, snack mix, energy balls and more are proof that eating better doesn’t have to be boring, regardless of age.
    Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There is a playful feeling to many PATTARAPHAN pieces, but this is not childish work.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • And also settling a very childish dispute between the airport and the contractors.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Soreness began settling in, and Mincey taught us a technique for safely walking on locked knees to spare our tiring muscles, which got us through the steep and gravelly hike.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But keeping that up can be a tiring proposition once a Grand Slam rolls around.
    Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tests revealed that Matias had neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, per the Cleveland Clinic.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • There’s nothing wrong with holding on to childhood and being a little immature from time to time.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The humor is like laughing about something that was just so stupid, or something that was so traumatic.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the problem with all of your arguments and stupid comments.
    Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The study involved 16 male adolescent athletes, so its findings should not be generalized to everyone.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Eric Cartman The terrifically foul-mouthed, plus-sized adolescent made his debut in the pilot episode of South Park, which follows the japes and scrapes of Cartman and his pals Kyle, Stan, and Kenny in the titular Colorado enclave.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, starting too early often has more downsides than taking it slow.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But so far, the economy has grown at roughly 2% annually, slower than the gains during the Biden administration.
    Josh Boak, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Natascha Hedegaard, an in-house veterinary advisor for JoyFull Pet, said large and giant breeds have a longer juvenile stage than small breed dogs.
    Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Located off Statesville Road north of uptown, Jail North was a juvenile detention center from 2020 to 2022 before staffing problems forced its closure.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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