Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of crass are dense, dull, dumb, and stupid. While all these words mean "lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions," crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

When could dense be used to replace crass?

While in some cases nearly identical to crass, dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

In what contexts can dull take the place of crass?

While the synonyms dull and crass are close in meaning, dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

When would dumb be a good substitute for crass?

The synonyms dumb and crass are sometimes interchangeable, but dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

When can stupid be used instead of crass?

The words stupid and crass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary.

stupid students just keeping the seats warm
stupid with drink

Examples 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 crass But given that a photo with no less than four seals of authenticity showed Eastwood reviewing new scripts on October 15, speculation about his retirement seems more like crass (if understandable) back-of-the-napkin mortality math than an accurate description of his intentions. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2024 As is expected during fair week, partygoers gossiped with loose lips and a loud, crass collector did his best to be the center of attention. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2024 Or consider how the same aggressive tactics that work in New York might come off as crass or even hostile in parts of Europe. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 The attendees clapped at his applause lines and laughed at his mugging and jokes, no matter how crass. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crass 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crass
Adjective
  • The men would make vulgar comments to her, or about her, even in her presence.
    Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Nov. 2024
  • As reactions to Biden’s reaction began to fly, meanwhile, Trump was asked in an interview Tuesday night with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity about the racist and vulgar joke at his New York rally.
    Will Weissert, Twin Cities, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Was the waiter being rude or was the customer overreacting?
    Soo Kim, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Dropping in on someone with no warning is inconsiderate, bordering on rude.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Hydrogen sulfide is a byproduct of crude oil refining.
    Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
  • However, the crude tanker segment was less affected compared to other shipping sectors.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For the herb paste: Process parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, shallot, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in food processor until consistency of coarse paste, about 10 2-second pulses.
    Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Some, his hardcore base, agree with everything the former president says right down to the coarsest insults.
    Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • One common surgical option is excision, where the fibroma is completely removed using surgical tools such as a scalpel.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Prevent Dry or Scratchy Throats Just as dry skin can be a problem in low humidity environments, a dry or scratchy throat is also a common issue people struggle with during the dry winter months.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near crass

Cite this Entry

“Crass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crass. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on crass

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