Definition of pabulumnext
as in food
something that maintains or stimulates the intellect we have reached a cultural low if reality television is regarded as pabulum for the masses

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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 pabulum On their face, Grok’s responses seem at least as coherent as some of the bland crisis-management pabulum that comes from prominent figures facing their own controversies. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Jan. 2026 This was culture as interchangeable primetime pabulum; three minutes apiece for the acts to impress the new judges and boost sales. — Mike McCahill, Variety, 8 May 2023 Twitter account, which spouted pabulum about the decency of the human spirit, became extremely popular. — New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021 Try to imagine Britain’s prime minister rallying his nation to fight the Nazi war machine armed with this progressive pabulum. — Joseph Loconte, National Review, 9 Sep. 2020 His onscreen counterpart in the film adaptation of this story, Memoir of a Murderer, trades in this complexity for more standard antihero pabulum (his only desire is to keep Eunhui safe). — Alana Mohamed, The Atlantic, 11 June 2019 The pabulum that passes for most reviews is an insult to the intelligence of most readers. — Christian Lorentzen, Harper's magazine, 10 Apr. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pabulum
Noun
  • According to Euromonitor, high-protein foods, beverages and supplements generated more than $3 trillion in global retail sales in 2025.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The food is healthy, fresh, and inventive enough to persuade you to dine in for at least a couple of nights, in spite of Ubud’s strong and growing food scene.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The idea that nourishment serves readily as a conduit is driven home by La Gola, Marcon’s previous film.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Each Perfume Oil blends a single hero note ingredient with skin-softening baobab oil for long-lasting scent and luxurious nourishment.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pabulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pabulum. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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