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inane

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of inane are banal, flat, insipid, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

Where would banal be a reasonable alternative to inane?

Although the words banal and inane have much in common, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When could flat be used to replace inane?

The words flat and inane are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.

although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

In what contexts can insipid take the place of inane?

In some situations, the words insipid and inane 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

When might jejune be a better fit than inane?

While in some cases nearly identical to inane, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When can vapid be used instead of inane?

While the synonyms vapid and inane are close in meaning, vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

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 inane
Adjective
Yet so many failed even that inane test, urged on in some cases by their managers. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Its attempt to designate Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins as acting special counsel was not an effort to contravene the lower court’s prohibition on recognizing a different special counsel because this was merely signaling who would take over if Dellinger was out (an inane argument). New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
However, even his uptempo contributions border on the inane. Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2022 HBO Max's row, although not listed as sponsored, suffers from the same inane, baseless content recommendations. Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for inane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
  • Also; regardless if the Rockies are good or bad; shouldn’t they be applauded for bringing up prospects early and not pausing for a future control that might be meaningless?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Yes, the games are meaningless.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Bobby's death also leaves a leadership vacuum as the 118 doesn't have a captain.
    Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • What has Iraq become since Iran moved into the vacuum left by America after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein?
    Mary Katharine Ham, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From there, the movie around her is soon reduced to a nothingness of its own making.
    Chase Hutchinson, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Alexander Vilenkin, meanwhile, has suggested that the universe instead emerged spontaneously from a state of nothingness via a strange quantum mechanics phenomenon known as quantum tunneling.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Fascinated with the beverage that had just entered his life in a big way, Butler began studying wine to fill in the blanks on different varieties, the best regions, finest vintages, and the stories behind the bottles.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Some board directors remain in the dark, with only a report from The Age newspaper in January filling in the blanks.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There’s no control room or isolation booth at the barn; the recording console is out in the open.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Building in the open has the power to benefit every enterprise and team that participates.
    Luca Maraschi, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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