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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
  • Moreover, the subject is weedy and boring.
    George Skelton, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
  • In comic book canon, Clark's earlier years are actually pretty boring!
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Gombrowicz never really ‘assimilated’ to life in Argentina, partly due to the unique and unprecedented circumstances that brought him there in the first place, but also because of his naturally irreverent and at times even childish attitude towards literary establishment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
  • The literature on adolescence marks middle school as a turning point, a time when kids begin to pull away from their parents, discard childish pursuits, and pursue, full thrust, the exhausting project of individuation.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Most big comedy shows at the fest had a strict no cellphones policy, Seinfeld was content with just reminding us that our friends are all sick of our stupid cellphone videos.
    Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Don’t eat stupid food, don’t do music in the background.
    Terry Terrones, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s so much regulation coming our way aimed at removing any sort of greenwashing, but even if that is successful, the customer is still immature.
    Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 8 May 2026
  • On top of that, the immature grubs chew through grass roots and create dead patches in your lawn.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Traveling with a heavy bag can make any journey feel longer and more tiring.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2026
  • Flimsy nozzles crack and leak, and heavy-duty nozzles get tiring to hold when your garden calls for more watering time than your hands can handle.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What supports adolescent contribution?
    Jen Agans, The Conversation, 8 May 2026
  • For any adolescent, a private bedroom is both sanctuary and mood board.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Pool service can be a bit slow during busy times, but once your perfectly prepared daiquiri arrives, all is forgiven.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • So future agreements could involve cooler normalisation, selective security cooperation, quieter diplomacy and a slower expansion.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • In general, juvenile crimes are more often committed with others, and images of roaming throngs of teens has an outsized presence in media and in the public’s amygdala.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
  • When officers arrived at the scene, a juvenile boy was being loaded into an ambulance.
    Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 8 May 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on jejune

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster