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

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 vapid Though the film currently holds a 74% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with critics attributing much of the success to Washington, others bemoaned its vapid execution. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Nov. 2024 The notion that morning TV talk-show hosts are a vapid lot is, well, not exactly a damning critique, but like so much of Don’t Look Up, it’s held up as a scathing, startling takedown, and Blanchett plays it with the same level of obviousness. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 What is remarkable about these conversations isn’t the subject matter itself, but how vapid, predictable, and sycophantic the back-and-forth becomes. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2024 Latinos in the New Millennium represents a potential antidote to this vapid discourse and a data-rich corrective to the stereotypes that too often define Hispanics in the United States. Ray Suarez, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2012 See all Example Sentences for vapid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vapid
Adjective
  • The entire family is outraged, but Peter insists that the film is slow, boring and essentially, overrated.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Brittany Mahomes is giving boring game-day outfits the boot!
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are no more stupid questions and an open, supportive, and curious culture evolves.
    Darpan Munjal, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The cliché that Americans are stupid and lazy is as pernicious as the cliché that teenagers are, well, stupid and lazy.
    John Hodgman, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Women and adults younger than 45 are more likely than men and older adults to say that moderate drinking is bad for health, as were Democrats and independents.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Listeriosis is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to newborns, those aged 65 or older, those who are pregnant, and those with weak immune systems, according to the and pregnant people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • On the thirteenth-century tomb of Eleanor of Aquitaine, she is shown wide awake and reading, while her dull and kingly husband sleeps for all eternity.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Dune: Part Two, another fantasy of third-world power struggle, is dull but dedicated to globalism.
    Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Israel Defense Forces have been slow to withdraw from their position in the southern part of Lebanon despite a Nov. 27 ceasefire deal that gave the Lebanese Army and the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon exclusive jurisdiction over the region.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Randle has often been slow to close out on 3-point shooters and inattentive off the ball.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to her tiring routine of delivering disappointment, Hadoula also has to contend with her own troubles in the form of a vision of her deceased mother (Maria Protoppapa).
    Ryan Swen, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Image Piloting a firefighting aircraft is sweaty, tiring work, Mr. Mattiacci said.
    Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure, the challenges were a bit blah, but still, a rousing and triumphant success.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • These helpful formulas are specially created with chelating agents, which are ingredients that bind to minerals and metals, breaking them down to wash away stubborn buildup that’s leaving hair full, brittle, or just plain blah.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Android 15’s second beta release has other notable additions today that didn’t make it to the relatively pedestrian first release.
    Umar Shakir, The Verge, 15 May 2024
  • Yet New England's 14-2 record and a defense that allowed the league's fewest points were not necessarily indicative of true dominance, as the team displayed a pattern of frequently doing just enough to win, the average margin of victory a fairly pedestrian 10.3 points.
    Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Vapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vapid. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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