BANAL Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'banal' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of banal are flat , inane , insipid , jejune , and vapid . While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy. // a banal tale of unrequited love

Q: When might 'flat' be a better fit than 'banal'?

The synonyms flat and banal are sometimes interchangeable, but flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest. // although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

Q: In what contexts can 'inane' take the place of 'banal'?

Although the words inane and banal have much in common, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality. // an inane interpretation of the play

Q: When is 'insipid' a more appropriate choice than 'banal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to banal , insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest. // an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

Q: When is it sensible to use 'jejune' instead of 'banal'?

While the synonyms jejune and banal are close in meaning, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance. // a jejune and gassy speech

Q: When would 'vapid' be a good substitute for 'banal'?

The words vapid and banal can be used in similar contexts, but vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit. // an exciting story given a vapid treatment

banal

adjective

bə-ˈnal

Definition of banal next

as in boring

lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character unlike their early work, the band's latest offering is banal and uninspiring

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cliche

used or heard so often as to be dull please find new ways of phrasing your thoughts instead of relying on banal expressions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word banal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of banal are flat, inane, insipid, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When might flat be a better fit than banal?

The synonyms flat and banal are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 banal?

Although the words inane and banal have much in common, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

When is insipid a more appropriate choice than banal?

While in some cases nearly identical to banal, insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When is it sensible to use jejune instead of banal?

While the synonyms jejune and banal are close in meaning, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When would vapid be a good substitute for banal?

The words vapid and banal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 banal Goodman’s animated narration is paired with evocative music and soundscapes that enliven descriptions of modest homesteads; with these flourishes, information as seemingly banal as the evolution of dishwashing becomes mesmerizing. —

Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024 The sheen of politics might be the X factor that makes his shows such a potent topic of discussion, but the thing that keeps people coming back has always been far more banal. —

Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 Barry builds a believable sci-fi world—even with its pseudo-fantastical powers—out of the most familiar and banal building blocks, taking the stakes of linguistic misuse to apocalyptic heights. —

Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024 Generally, the drama does spectacularly well with abiding by a primal sense of magical realism — the finding of wonderment in the banal and the insertion of banality into the wondrous. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for banal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for banal

Adjective

The entire family is outraged, but Peter insists that the film is slow, boring and essentially, overrated.

— Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Recently, Jennifer Lopez has been a big fan of natural manicures, which are anything but boring.

— Lea Hüttinger, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2025