Synonyms of vapid

vapid

adjective

as in boring

formal not lively or interesting

a song with vapid lyrics

Related Words

• boring
• stupid
• old
• dull
• slow
• tiring
• blah
• pedestrian
• blank
• numbing
• dry
• ordinary
• heavy
• dusty
• sterile
• uninteresting
• wearying
• tepid
• common
• weary
• unexceptional
• monotonous
• tiresome
• tedious
• jejune
• drab
• unsurprising
• commonplace
• dreary
• stodgy
• humdrum
• spiritless
• colorless
• ponderous
• tame
• arid
• wearisome
• stale
• unimaginative
• pallid
• prosaic
• leaden
• barren
• prosy
• stuffy
• monochromatic
• jading
• mind-numbing
• soggy
• dullish
• unexciting
• ho-hum
• uninspiring
• gray
• aseptic
• flat
• unrewarding
• pedantic
• uneventful
• undramatic
• unspectacular
• unsensational
• inanimate
• earthbound
• drudging
• pleasureless
• cumbersome
• unnewsworthy
• suspenseless
• plodding
• lumbering
• longsome
• poky
• palling

Dissimilar Words

• wonderful
• surprising
• wondrous
• spectacular
• amazing
• amusing
• sensational
• exciting
• astonishing
• marvelous
• awesome
• inspiring
• astounding
• entertaining
• fabulous
• stimulating
• exhilarating
• breathtaking
• charming
• attractive
• thrilling
• rousing
• alluring
• poignant
• electrifying
• energizing
• stirring
• fascinating
• animating
• beguiling
• enchanting
• moving
• enthralling
• enlivening
• entrancing
• bewitching
• invigorating
• interesting
• attracting
• touching
• provocative
• eye-opening
• galvanizing
• rip-roaring
• diverting
• intriguing
• involving
• hair-raising
• suspenseful
• engaging
• tantalizing
• captivating
• engrossing
• riveting
• mesmerizing
• spellbinding
• absorbing
• arresting
• gripping

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vapid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vapid are banal, flat, inane, insipid, and jejune. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

When can banal be used instead of vapid?

While in some cases nearly identical to vapid, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When is flat a more appropriate choice than vapid?

Although the words flat and vapid have much in common, flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.

although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

When would inane be a good substitute for vapid?

The words inane and vapid can be used in similar contexts, but inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

In what contexts can insipid take the place of vapid?

In some situations, the words insipid and vapid are roughly equivalent. However, insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

Where would jejune be a reasonable alternative to vapid?

The meanings of jejune and vapid largely overlap; however, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vapid

Since playing vain and vapid aspiring model Joey Donner, Keegan has appeared in numerous films and TV series, even reuniting with Stiles for O. He's best known on the small screen for his role as Wilson West on 7th Heaven. —Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

As a dimwitted product of a vapid culture, Beatty’s protagonist is hardly a figure to like — but Ashby’s amusing day-in-the-life exploration of his manic existence is wildly entertaining. —Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

On their face, conspiracy theories can seem stupid, like vapid online chatter. —Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 16 July 2025

Wang tries his best, but Li is a wafer-thin cut-out without much charm, and his romance with the equally vapid Mia lacks spark. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 May 2025

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