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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
In voice-over narration, Angela communicated directly to the audience and shared her innermost thoughts — sometimes eloquent, sometimes inane but always authentic to the volatile experience of being a teenager. Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 Harry would’ve been grumpy and rude, making brusque jokes about inane gender stereotypes and asking direct, invasive questions about anatomy. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 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
  • If Missouri were to abolish state income taxes, tax credits would become meaningless.
    Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Xavier is headed out of the silo Xavier was always going to leave the silo to try to find his wife, despite a brief tryst with Sinatra's therapist, Dr. Gabriela Torabi (Sarah Shahi), that wound up being meaningless from both a plot and character perspective.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When picking the right vacuum for your home, multiple factors come into play.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Work carefully: Start by removing larger pieces, then vacuum or sweep up small shards.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Plan It: Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary Out There in Nevada So many people think that Nevada is just the Strip and then a vast expanse of nothingness.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 3 Mar. 2025
  • My ophthalmologist had plunged me into a diagnostic void, into a world of clinical nothingness.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The deserters were typically shot simultaneously by three or more fellow soldiers — one of whom might have been issued blanks, rather than live rounds, as was the case in the 2010 Utah execution — to blur the lines of responsibility for the death.
    Jacey Fortin, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The defense argued that Relli initiated the altercation and Rocky's behavior was in self-defense, adding that the rapper's pistol was taken from a music video set and only fired blanks.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • These tensions came out in the open during a fraught Oval Office meeting between Zelensky and Trump, though the Ukrainian leader has sought to repair relations since.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • All-seeing surveillance drones, present everywhere all the time along the 800-mile front line of the three-year war, quickly spot any vehicles traveling out in the open.
    David Axe, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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