INSIPID Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of insipid are banal , flat , inane , jejune , and vapid . While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest. // an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

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

In some situations, the words banal and insipid are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'insipid'?

The words flat and insipid 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

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

The meanings of inane and insipid largely overlap; however, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality. // an inane interpretation of the play

Q: Where would 'jejune' be a reasonable alternative to 'insipid'?

Although the words jejune and insipid have much in common, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance. // a jejune and gassy speech

Q: When can 'vapid' be used instead of 'insipid'?

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

insipid

adjective

in-ˈsi-pəd

Definition of insipid next

as in bland

lacking in taste or flavor an apple pie with a mushy, insipid filling that strongly resembled soggy cardboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character an insipid and somewhat boring movie about teenagers in love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insipid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of insipid are banal, flat, inane, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When is banal a more appropriate choice than insipid?

In some situations, the words banal and insipid are roughly equivalent. However, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When might flat be a better fit than insipid?

The words flat and insipid 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 inane take the place of insipid?

The meanings of inane and insipid largely overlap; however, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

Where would jejune be a reasonable alternative to insipid?

Although the words jejune and insipid have much in common, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When can vapid be used instead of insipid?

The words vapid and insipid can be used in similar contexts, but vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Examples of insipid in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web India’s million mutinies also make the politics of its rival, China, appear insipid, as the once-revolutionary Chinese masses now timidly acquiesce to an imperious state and tawdry consumerism alike. —

Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013 The date palms that develop fruit are females and if there are no male trees around, or if the pollen from the male trees is not available at the right time, insipid fruit is produced. —

Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 25 May 2024 With its foreign influence and insipid dialogue, social media sites are the real threat to democracy. —

Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2024 The Fall Guy blazons the insipid content that the movie industry never tires of selling us. —

Armond White, National Review, 3 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for insipid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insipid

Adjective

If there ever was cause for a redo, writes Swed, it could be found in the bland, corporate Symphony Towers, which have been reimagined to stunning effect by architectural firm HGA and acoustician Paul Scarbrough.

Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
Gradually, the ingredients began to change, and the flavors became less bland.

Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024