VAPID Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vapid

adjective

Definition of vapid

as in boring

formal not lively or interesting a song with vapid lyrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 vapid His aesthetic, his artistry, his ambition and audacity – all of it flew in the face of assumptions that L.A. is somehow vapid and without substance. —Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 25 Jan. 2025 Others take aim at the vast and vapid abstractions used to justify armed conflict, down to and including nuclear war. —Karen Parker Lears, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 Newcastle went strong, righting the wrong of a vapid 4-2 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium earlier this month. —George Caulkin, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024 What was once ridiculed as a vapid squad may become celebrated as an intellectual group, and all are invited to join by the Chairman. —Bryan West, The Tennessean, 4 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for vapid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vapid

Adjective

Then Saturday, Columbus sputtered to a disappointing (and boring) scoreless draw at home against the Houston Dynamo, one of the weakest MLS teams.

— Andrew King, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Literature that doesn’t contain its own version of this deal—literature that tries to freeze-frame reality instead of transmuting it—is often boring, even alienating.

— Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2025