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
  • Corner infielders Carlos Santana (1B, CLE): The definition of boring and solid.
    Owen Poindexter, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • Much happens in the sixth episode, but most of it is pretty boring like the rest of this season.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sculpting a modern tale about a porcelain company that’s 250 years old has a lot to do with understanding how younger generations come together, dine and entertain.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • And what often emerges instead is a dull kind of numbness, chronic irritability or total withdrawal.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Commercial or bulk matcha is often a dull yellowish or brown color, coarse in texture, and noticeably bitter.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The music is, for the most part, quiet and slow, often hovering at the edge of silence.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • Repeated waxing weakens follicles, making hair grow in finer and slower over time.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Seeing that expansion and contraction over and over for six episodes (let alone three seasons) can grow tiring, and Season 3 certainly suffers from a sense of exhaustion.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
  • Now in his 80s trips to the islands are more challenging, and maintaining a boat that can make the journey is expensive and tiring.
    Kathleen Rellihan, Outside Online, 8 June 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 30 Jun. 2025.

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