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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
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
Noun
Defender Kathrin Hendrich had been dismissed for an inane hair-pull, and the subsequent penalty had been converted. Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025 This idea, presented as a somewhat inane gesture of pragmatic engagement, instead provoked strong opposition from world leaders, who condemned it as both strategically misguided and morally indefensible. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
  • Negotiations are meaningless unless Putin begins to pay a price in tougher economic sanctions and greater military support to Ukraine.
    Oleksandra Matviichuk, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • These meaningless phrases could describe any coach on the planet.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the thermal vacuum (TVAC), the duo battled with the punishing extremes of space — intense heat, bitter cold, and the absolute vacuum — within a specialized chamber on Earth.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Dust around ceilings and sweep and vacuum frequently to discourage spiders from setting up shop indoors.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eckhardt’s commentaries on God and scripture are dense and recursive, breaking ideas into component parts, placing them onto higher and lower planes, making hierarchies and triads out of them until eventually becoming something like an investigation into being and nothingness themselves.
    Jon Raymond August 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
  • At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love—what is the point?
    Greg Norman , David Spunt, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Watkins ranks second among forwards for shots in the box (eight) but has failed to convert one big chance during this string of blanks.
    Holly Shand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While live-feed viewers were already in the know on some of what went down, the latest episode filled in the blanks on Tuesday.
    Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chaisson was limited Wednesday with a hamstring injury and wasn’t spotted participating during the window open to reporters.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Tencent's recent open-sourcing of two world-class platforms serves as a prime example.
    Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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