INANE Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inane 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈnān

Definition of inane next

as in meaningless

having no meaning inane and useless phrases, such as "have a nice day"

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inane

2 of 2

noun

as in vacuum

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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

But the writers, like Noah and Joanne, are ignoring that fundamental fork in the road in favor of inane high jinks from the couple and their increasingly irksome friends and family. —

Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025 As inane and sterile as the marketing was, the actual event wasn’t awful. —

Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025

Noun

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 See All Example Sentences for inane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane

Adjective

His 2010 Cy Young victory despite a 13-12 record marked a turning point where win-loss record went from being the most important pitcher stat to one that’s borderline meaningless.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Dismissing such conflicts as a grotesque but meaningless assemblage of scandals—the love child of Teapot Dome and Watergate—would be a mistake.

— Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026

Definition of meaningless

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“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 28 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of inane

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