Synonyms of vapid

vapid

adjective

as in boring

formal not lively or interesting

a song with vapid lyrics

Related 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

Dissimilar Words

• 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

So much of modern football discourse is taken up with banality, immaturity, petty insults, utterly vapid arguments about the size of rival clubs, or fanbases, or the length of trophy droughts. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 18 May 2025

The sanctimonious proto-Communist bait of Good Night, and Good Luck Activist-actor George Clooney confirms his hyphenate status by adapting his vapid 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck for the Broadway stage. —Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025

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

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

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