Synonym Chooser

How is the word bland different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of bland are diplomatic, politic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than bland?

The meanings of diplomatic and bland largely overlap; however, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When could politic be used to replace bland?

Although the words politic and bland have much in common, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Where would smooth be a reasonable alternative to bland?

The synonyms smooth and bland are sometimes interchangeable, but smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of bland?

While in some cases nearly identical to bland, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

In what contexts can urbane take the place of bland?

While the synonyms urbane and bland are close in meaning, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 bland For those of us who survived this corporate bloodletting, we were offered bland gestures of perseverance and then told to get back to work the next day. Steve Denning, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 The second day of February quietly marked the second anniversary of a momentous announcement on Chelsea’s digital channels, released under the deceptively bland headline ‘Chelsea confirms sporting department’. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 So many of them look so bland and lack personality. Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2025 However, many reviewers felt the texture was a bit gummy and the flavor was bland. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bland
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bland
Adjective
  • Known for its soothing properties, the star ingredient, centella asiatica is great for those with rosacea to strengthen the skin barrier.
    Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The moisturizing strip heats up, providing soothing warmth, much in the same way a hot towel softens the skin.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Just love, patience, and someone who sees the beauty in older cats with soft hearts and gentle spirits.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Friend functions perfectly well as a dog picture, a movie about a frazzled single woman learning to care for a gentle but unruly animal in the big, bad city.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Editor’s tip: With 4% dimethicone, this formula locks in moisture while visibly smoothing skin’s texture for a soft, silky finish.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Step 4: Apply the solution and scrub the carpet Apply the solution to the carpet and use a soft upholstery brush to scrub it in, working in small sections.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to cutting down on banter, Blige struck a mellower, less aggressive tone than at several prior local appearances — a stunning 2004 gig at Arie Crown Theater and memorable co-headlining 2016 date with Maxwell at United Center included.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
  • And the truth is that Manson had a singing voice of knowing mellow command.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Seeing Postecoglou snap at such a mild remark demonstrated how much the Australian’s relationship with the fans has deteriorated.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Warm compress: Placing a warm, wet towel on your closed eyes can help alleviate mild to moderate dry eyes.1 Eyelid cleaning: Discuss at-home eyelid cleaning with your healthcare provider.
    Sarah Bence, Health, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Something as benign as a leadoff double might trigger an alarm inside him.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Daniele Bianchi, an assistant professor in UCLA’s Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, has been studying what causes this normally benign plankton species to start secreting lethal toxins.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bland.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bland. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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