vapid

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

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 vapid The notion that morning TV talk-show hosts are a vapid lot is, well, not exactly a damning critique, but like so much of Don’t Look Up, it’s held up as a scathing, startling takedown, and Blanchett plays it with the same level of obviousness. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 15 Mar. 2025 At a time when electronic music is wracked by nostalgia and vapid genre collisions, the most addictive 2020s phonk offers the thrilling promise of a wild new style. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Mar. 2025 The question of the night is the choice between selling their souls to the vapid American tourists at the Tropicana Club (bad) or singing for their own people on the wrong side of the tracks (good). Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 The question of the night is the choice between selling out their souls to the vapid American tourists at the Tropicana nightclub (bad) or singing for their own people on the wrong side of the tracks (good). Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vapid
Adjective
  • Some people assume that longtime married couples are boring, but my husband has never bored me.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
  • Spectators perceive tennis outfits as plain, boring, rigid or limited to a specific silhouette.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.
    Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • International students make up about 27% of the student body at the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • Former New College student Katie Helms, 47, got emotional when remembering her old mentor.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The bittersweet result didn’t dull a remarkable career and legacy for Kelly.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • But the drama can be very stolid, borderline dull at times.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Here in Croatia, the pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Still, even if the growth is slower than in some North American leagues, European teams continue to appreciate.
    Justin Teitelbaum, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • These guys have been touring for decades, never tiring of playing the hits even while steadily putting out albums full of new material.
    Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 2 June 2025
  • Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle sustains this tiring play style by deploying a 10-man rotation, allowing his players to stay fresh throughout high-intensity games.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sure, the challenges were a bit blah, but still, a rousing and triumphant success.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025
  • Human beings are made to love one another, blah, blah, blah.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The unusual start time—one that was especially onerous to viewers on the West Coast—limited Woods’ live deliveries to a rather pedestrian 10.8 million viewers.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Hurts and the Eagles passing attack has been pedestrian since his return from a concussion.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vapid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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