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inane

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noun

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

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 inane
Adjective
As inane as Mark’s schemes can be, there’s also a certain predictability to them. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2024 Even in light of how argumentative Suzie has been with Detective Neck Brace, this inane comment feels like gaslighting. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 7 Aug. 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 See all Example Sentences for inane 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
  • After all, we too are drawn to violent, meaningless spectacle to distract us from matters of substance.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Still, the existence of both shows, and the longevity of Grace and Frankie, spoke to an unexpected side effect of the streaming revolution: With no advertisers to appease (at least not in the 2010s), demographics became meaningless.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to an air purifier, an efficient vacuum can keep pollutants and dust particles at a minimum.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Pricey vacuums like Dyson and Shark will easily run you upwards of $300, but that’s for good reason.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • To cushion their sinuous eucalyptus forms, the duo came up with their own spin on traditional Banarasi fabric: an archival herringbone motif overlaid with numerical zeros that nod to Brahmagupta, the Hindu mathematician who developed the concept of nothingness in 628 AD.
    Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Much of the story seems to be about waiting, and then what happens after that waiting comes to an end: the disappointment, pain, or even nothingness that eventually follows.
    Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • And our imaginations are liable to fill in the blanks with worst-case scenarios.
    Michael Flannery, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The system was then instructed to reconstruct what may be happening within the mesosphere to fill in the blanks.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Share [Findings] Humboldt penguins who nest in the open have more pollutant metabolites in their blood than do penguins who nest in guano-rich burrows.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.76% at the open, while the Topix added 0.74%.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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