Synonyms of vapid

vapid

adjective

as in boring

formal not lively or interesting

a song with vapid lyrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• boring
• stupid
• old
• dull
• slow
• tiring
• blah
• pedestrian
• blank
• numbing
• dry
• ordinary
• dusty
• heavy
• sterile
• uninteresting
• wearying
• tepid
• common
• weary
• unexceptional
• monotonous
• tiresome
• tedious
• jejune
• grey
• 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
• flat
• aseptic
• unrewarding
• pedantic
• uneventful
• undramatic
• unspectacular
• unsensational
• inanimate
• earthbound
• drudging
• pleasureless
• cumbersome
• unnewsworthy
• suspenseless
• plodding
• pokey
• lumbering
• longsome
• poky
• palling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wonderful
• surprising
• marvellous
• 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
• rip-roaring
• galvanizing
• 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

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

Intertwined with Victor and Zoey’s stories are those of fellow players on the city’s media scene, including a publicist for a vapid pop star, a nepo-baby podcaster, and a downtown influencer-novelist. —airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025

But Shirley MacLaine takes things to a whole other level when Aurora — who audiences could be forgiven for initially dismissing as a vapid and self-absorbed mom — takes our heartstrings and refuses to let go. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!