1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest another moralizing tale filled with jejune platitudes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word jejune distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jejune are banal, flat, inane, insipid, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When might banal be a better fit than jejune?

While the synonyms banal and jejune are close in meaning, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

Where would flat be a reasonable alternative to jejune?

While in some cases nearly identical to jejune, 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 inane take the place of jejune?

The words inane and jejune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

When is insipid a more appropriate choice than jejune?

The words insipid and jejune can be used in similar contexts, but insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When would vapid be a good substitute for jejune?

In some situations, the words vapid and jejune are roughly equivalent. However, vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jejune
Adjective
  • Broberg’s heartbreaking overtime winner Some overtimes are boring, with teams methodically regrouping.
    Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Transform boring tasks into challenges with stakes, rewards, and achievements.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Empire is a manifesto opposing the most corrupt, childish film genre.
    Armond White, National Review, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Trump Turnberry calls pro-Palestinian group's actions a 'childish, criminal act' Police in Scotland said officers were investigating after receiving a report about the golf course being damaged around 4:40 a.m., a spokesperson for the department told Reuters and Fox News.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His is a sort of erudite buffoonery that consistently tap-dances between clever, self-aware, and patently stupid.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Each of them loses track of a CD filled with secrets, and some end up dying in the stupidest possible ways because of their incompetence.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The series follows the (fictional) famous televangelist family of the Gemstones, led by widowed patriarch Eli (played by John Goodman) alongside his immature children Jesse (Danny McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson) and Kelvin (Adam DeVine).
    Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The son of a Russian oligarch, Vanya is immature, perpetually stoned, and supposed to be using his time in the States to study.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While squatting is a relatively rare problem at the national level, the issue has gotten more attention over the past year—and can be extremely tiring and stressful for property owners.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Kraft likes taking big swings, but after tiring of Belichick’s autocratic approach, his priority for the 2024 season was simply regaining control of his franchise.
    Mike Sando, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The victim was also found to be developmentally delayed with an adolescent cognitive level, the warrant affidavit said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Rates have stagnated in the last few years and lag far behind usage of other common adolescent immunizations to prevent meningococcal disease (88.4%) and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (89%).
    Lisa Doggett, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Plan For Possible Delays: Given the potential for slower processing, apply well before needing benefits.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Don’t confuse grilling with smoking though—the basic difference is smoking is a slow process where food is cooked at low temperatures for a long period while grilling requires high heat applied over a short burst of time.
    Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All five suspects were booked into juvenile hall or jail custody.
    Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The American people deserve better than petty, juvenile stunts in one of the most sacred chambers of government.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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