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 Thankfully, Cronenberg is less interested in taking potshots at his vapid characters (played by the game likes of Julianne Moore, John Cusack, and Evan Bird channeling Shia LaBeouf) than in unearthing the sadness and madness that gnaws at their superficial dreams. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for vapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vapid
Adjective
  • Stick with boring investments to avoid big mistakes from get-rich-quick schemes.
    Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Hosting every summit in a big European city would alleviate much of the pressure to re-invent the wheel every time with respect to hotels, transit, and other boring but essential logistical details.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • No Broward program can possibly be as wasteful and downright stupid as the Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS).
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025
  • On the other side of the ledger, Jaguar did a stupid, and seriously WOKE advertisement, THAT IS A TOTAL DISASTER!
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The most recent bill targets the nation's oldest and largest teachers' union's ability to lobby.
    Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Today, Khamenei ranks among the world’s oldest and longest-serving heads of state.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The shampoo won't clean as well and can leave behind residue that makes your hair look dull and lifeless.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
  • With major season getting over, August is dull, and McIlroy's absence has become a lightning rod for debates about player responsibility and the Tour's authority.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Three organic meats are on offer for Sunday roast: slow roasted Black Angus, with creamed horseradish; succulent Tamworth Pork with bramley apple sauce and Texel Lamb with a classic mint sauce.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Burrow hopes that feeling the rush and gaining real reps working the pocket will help lessen the impact of opening-week clunkers that contributed to the team’s slow starts.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Superman’s meh international returns can also be understood as reflective of the worldwide audience tiring of Hollywood’s cultural diktats.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
  • With both sets of players tiring, the best chance of the 30-minute period would fall to substitute Salma Paralluelo, who could not divert Batlle’s cross towards goal from four yards out.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • The connection has been pretty blah for the most part.
    Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 10 July 2024
  • 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
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 19 Aug. 2025.

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