Synonyms of inane

inane 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈnān 

as in meaningless

having no meaning

inane and useless phrases, such as "have a nice day"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• meaningless
• absurd
• stupid
• pointless
• silly
• irrational
• foolish
• empty
• senseless
• slight
• unreasonable
• trivial
• insane
• frivolous
• asinine
• unimportant
• nonsensical
• fatuous
• zany
• inconsequential
• mindless
• insignificant
• trifling
• minor
• little
• unintelligent
• preposterous
• witless
• brainless
• lunatic
• loony
• wacky
• whacky
• nutty
• sappy
• inconsiderable
• negligible
• harebrained
• unwise
• simpleminded
• mad
• kooky
• daffy
• haphazard
• empty-headed
• daft
• aimless
• looney
• purposeless
• crazy
• jerky
• cuckoo
• tomfool
• half-witted
• dotty
• kookie
• weak-minded
• crackpot
• balmy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• meaningful
• significant
• eloquent
• suggestive
• reasonable
• logical
• expressive
• rational
• valid
• important
• pregnant
• major
• substantial
• revealing
• key
• telling
• momentous
• consequential
• eventful
• weighty

inane

2 of 2

noun

as in vacuum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vacuum
• nothingness
• blank
• open
• waste
• air
• blankness
• black hole
• vacuity
• void
• emptiness
• hollowness
• vacancy
• hollow
• barrenness
• bleakness
• cavity
• desolateness
• gap
• bareness
• hole

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fulness
• fullness
• repleteness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inane distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of inane are banal, flat, insipid, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

Where would banal be a reasonable alternative to inane?

Although the words banal and inane have much in common, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When could flat be used to replace inane?

The words flat and inane are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 insipid take the place of inane?

In some situations, the words insipid and inane 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

When might jejune be a better fit than inane?

While in some cases nearly identical to inane, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When can vapid be used instead of inane?

While the synonyms vapid and inane are close in meaning, vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inane

Adjective

Its attempt to designate Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins as acting special counsel was not an effort to contravene the lower court’s prohibition on recognizing a different special counsel because this was merely signaling who would take over if Dellinger was out (an inane argument). —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025

In voice-over narration, Angela communicated directly to the audience and shared her innermost thoughts — sometimes eloquent, sometimes inane but always authentic to the volatile experience of being a teenager. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024

Noun

However, even his uptempo contributions border on the inane. —Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2022

HBO Max's row, although not listed as sponsored, suffers from the same inane, baseless content recommendations. —Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2022

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