ho-hum 1 of 2

as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

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 ho-hum
Adjective
But neither was there the ho-hum, dutiful lassitude that usually accompanies second inaugurations, like Barack Obama’s in 2013. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 These plants have long been a landscape staple, especially as an evergreen foundation plant, to the point where they were seen as pedestrian and a little ho-hum. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2025 Sunday was about as ho-hum as a dominant performance could be. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 In fact, contrary to California’s glitzy image, Reagan and Schwarzenegger are the odd men out in a long line of drab, largely ho-hum candidates who have been elected to the state’s top office. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ho-hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ho-hum
Adjective
  • The whole thing also looks pretty—budget and midrange phones tend to be super boring, but the Pixel 8A has a smart design with a matte rear texture.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Buck is a loquacious, glad-handing oaf who has a boring way with a witty story, and is marked for death.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
Interjection
  • Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs.
    Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
  • Volunteer yourself to help with X, Y and Z accommodations if that lightens the family’s workload, without saying boo about the couple’s choices.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • The 2024-25 Bruins are slow, short on skill, inconsistent on defense and diminished in net.
    Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • It's been a slow ramp up for Alpha, with the rocket having launched just a single time in 2024, in July.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow the money: The stock market, for one, is tiring of such shenanigans.
    Felix Salmon, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In Aurora, voters seem to be tiring of two-term incumbent Republican Richard Irvin, who was the top vote getter but got just 38%.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The fight was very dull and Ankalaev most held his way to the victory.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Without their alternate selves to tug at them, these characters would be dull, dull, dull.
    Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When Luca pulls a gun on him, ordering him to drive, Spencer quickly disarms him and then slaps him for the stupid move.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Indexing gives you a better chance to ‘be less stupid.’ — Investment advisor Barry Ritholtz Those dismal statistics come to us via the latest annual SPIVA scorecard (the acronym stands for Standard and Poor’s Index vs. Active).
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Americans have grown weary; not just of the news, but also of the entire miserable chore of learning about it.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • That reputation began in 70 C.E. when the mineral springs were directed into a massive bathhouse for weary Roman soldiers.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were the only players to hit that mark at 28 years old.
    Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In the Pig universe, which has now been running for two decades, George remains two years old and Peppa two years older.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ho-hum. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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