vapid

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vapid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vapid are banal, flat, inane, insipid, and jejune. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

When can banal be used instead of vapid?

While in some cases nearly identical to vapid, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When is flat a more appropriate choice than vapid?

Although the words flat and vapid have much in common, flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.

although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

When would inane be a good substitute for vapid?

The words inane and vapid can be used in similar contexts, but inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

In what contexts can insipid take the place of vapid?

In some situations, the words insipid and vapid 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

Where would jejune be a reasonable alternative to vapid?

The meanings of jejune and vapid largely overlap; however, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

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 vapid Intertwined with Victor and Zoey’s stories are those of fellow players on the city’s media scene, including a publicist for a vapid pop star, a nepo-baby podcaster, and a downtown influencer-novelist. airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025 But Shirley MacLaine takes things to a whole other level when Aurora — who audiences could be forgiven for initially dismissing as a vapid and self-absorbed mom — takes our heartstrings and refuses to let go. Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 Grande was one of the brightest surprises as the vapid but not entirely heartless Glinda. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 When Charmaine suddenly transforms into yet another vapid housewife after a weekend getaway with her husband, Joanna and Bobbie become suspicious and decide to investigate. Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vapid
Adjective
  • Camilla told Newsweek that her husband, Linford, 32, works as a tunnel boring machine operator in London.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Take it from this guy, who bought the beautiful Starfield limited-edition Xbox controller, headset, and console wrap for over $200, only to play the game and dump it after 20 boring hours.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Friendships built on insecurity, where men constantly have to prove their manhood, are a breeding ground for toxic attitudes and stupid decision-making.
    Terry Ward, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Also, his team told him over the radio, basically, don’t do anything stupid, Nato is going to be penalized for not using all his Attack Mode.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Morales' older brother, Ricardo, confirmed his death in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast, older generations started saving much later, with boomers beginning at an average age of 37 and with plans to retire at 72.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For the rest of us, a real musical comedy is a cause for celebration; most are either too tuneless to be musicals or too dull to be comedies.
    Jesse Green, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The additional compounds in matcha dull this effect.
    Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Samsung is neck and neck with Google, but its updates are often slower and more limited on older phones.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The building Celine now occupies what used to be a slow pop-up for Dior and Loro Piana.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, many on the internet have identified this week as a particularly tiring one for Black K-pop fans.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Of course, going from shows to pickleball classes to after-hours jam sessions at B.B. King’s Blues Club can be tiring.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From electric-powered to lift-top options, the style of height-adjustable desks can be pretty blah.
    Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Casseroles don't have to be blah.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Gave up way too much (9-for-15 on third downs, 409 yards) defensively against a fairly pedestrian Seahawks team.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Through his first three games this year, the seven-time All-Star and 2023 league MVP is averaging a thoroughly pedestrian 14.7 points on .324/.154/1.000 shooting splits.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Vapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vapid. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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