Synonyms of vapid

vapid

adjective

as in boring

formal not lively or interesting

a song with vapid lyrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• boring
• stupid
• old
• dull
• slow
• tiring
• blah
• pedestrian
• blank
• numbing
• dry
• ordinary
• dusty
• heavy
• sterile
• uninteresting
• wearying
• tepid
• common
• weary
• unexceptional
• monotonous
• tiresome
• tedious
• jejune
• grey
• drab
• unsurprising
• commonplace
• dreary
• stodgy
• humdrum
• spiritless
• colorless
• ponderous
• tame
• arid
• wearisome
• stale
• unimaginative
• pallid
• prosaic
• leaden
• barren
• prosy
• stuffy
• monochromatic
• jading
• mind-numbing
• soggy
• dullish
• unexciting
• ho-hum
• uninspiring
• gray
• flat
• aseptic
• unrewarding
• pedantic
• uneventful
• undramatic
• unspectacular
• unsensational
• inanimate
• earthbound
• drudging
• pleasureless
• cumbersome
• unnewsworthy
• suspenseless
• plodding
• pokey
• lumbering
• longsome
• poky
• palling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wonderful
• surprising
• marvellous
• wondrous
• spectacular
• amazing
• amusing
• sensational
• exciting
• astonishing
• marvelous
• awesome
• inspiring
• astounding
• entertaining
• fabulous
• stimulating
• exhilarating
• breathtaking
• charming
• attractive
• thrilling
• rousing
• alluring
• poignant
• electrifying
• energizing
• stirring
• fascinating
• animating
• beguiling
• enchanting
• moving
• enthralling
• enlivening
• entrancing
• bewitching
• invigorating
• interesting
• attracting
• touching
• provocative
• eye-opening
• rip-roaring
• galvanizing
• diverting
• intriguing
• involving
• hair-raising
• suspenseful
• engaging
• tantalizing
• captivating
• engrossing
• riveting
• mesmerizing
• spellbinding
• absorbing
• arresting
• gripping

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

Recent Examples of vapid

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

Looking to tout itself as the greenest mega-firm in the business, Pierpoint funds a sustainable-energy company headed by Henry Muck, a handsomely vapid child of privilege played by Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Aug. 2024

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