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
  • Hunter: The Reckoning puts players in the role of regular people who know monsters are real and can’t go back to their old, boring lives.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The real world is monochromatic, straightforward, boring.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • And some stupid Republicans, and foolish Republicans, fall into the net.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 July 2025
  • The film ends with Lady Susan setting herself up in a kind of throuple, although one member of the ménage is too stupid to be so informed.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Difficulty breathing Irregular heartbeat Cardiac arrest (heart attack) Adults 19 and older should not take more than 350 mg of magnesium per day to avoid side effects and reduce the chance of toxicity.10 7.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
  • The current challenge to the gondola project is 16 months old and counting.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • For organizations looking to unlock efficiency and save their human workforces from dull and repetitive tasks, agents represent an exciting opportunity.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
  • The best vitamin C cleansers can come in handy for this—most are packed with brightening antioxidants and fruit enzymes to gently slough away dull, dead skin and protect it from free radicals.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Skin Conditions Dry, itchy skin, and wounds or cuts that are slow to heal can be a sign of hyperglycemia.
    Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • Without automation, errors are common and reimbursement is slow.
    Duke Chung, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • For starters, the daily office routine was more tiring than what I was accustomed to back in Israel.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 July 2025
  • So 22 years ago, when her mother was pregnant with her older sister, the couple made a long and tiring trek across the border to the US.
    Jennifer Hauser, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • This year’s International Game schedule is pretty blah outside of the beautiful locales — Dublin, London, Berlin, Madrid.
    Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Sure, the challenges were a bit blah, but still, a rousing and triumphant success.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 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 26 Jul. 2025.

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