insipid

adjective

in-ˈsi-pəd How to pronounce insipid (audio)
Definition of insipidnext
1
as in bland
lacking in taste or flavor an apple pie with a mushy, insipid filling that strongly resembled soggy cardboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in boring
lacking in qualities that make for spirit and character an insipid and somewhat boring movie about teenagers in love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insipid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of insipid are banal, flat, inane, jejune, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When is banal a more appropriate choice than insipid?

In some situations, the words banal and insipid are roughly equivalent. However, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When might flat be a better fit than insipid?

The words flat and insipid 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 inane take the place of insipid?

The meanings of inane and insipid largely overlap; however, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

Where would jejune be a reasonable alternative to insipid?

Although the words jejune and insipid have much in common, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When can vapid be used instead of insipid?

The words vapid and insipid can be used in similar contexts, but 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 insipid Italy were insipid against the Swiss in that Euros defeat this time last year. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Amidst their insipid competition to win Harris’ favor, the three daughters lament that none of them will ever truly be their father’s favorite, as that title belongs to the daughter who never grew up: the actual youngest Sinclair daughter, Rosemary. —Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025 Little Dog asks, an insipid comparison that illuminates only the fungibility of abstract nouns. —Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025 But her second feature, while quite slick, has the insipid feel of a Lifetime movie. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for insipid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insipid
  1. bland
  2. boring
  3. thin
  4. banal
  5. tasteless
  6. dull
  7. tiring
Adjective
  • The tone of Wikipedia articles themselves is decidedly and intentionally bland.
    — Imogen West-Knights, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In reality, Nintendo’s Japanese HQ is a bland office building that nonemployees rarely enter and few details find their way out.
    — Chris Plante, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • The boring lunch ends boringly, with the women sipping their champagne in silence, tucking into their salads, and ignoring the commemorative glasses that no one wanted.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • This sounds like a boring event but the boys turn the act of breaking up ice or sleet sheets from the sidewalk into a hockey-like competition.
    — Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Without reliably cold temperatures, snow is wetter and thinner, conditions are rainier — and for athletes that can be dangerous.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And the attorneys who are assigned are often spread thin and unable to provide quality representation, let alone peer support.
    — Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • Most casual chatbot users might be forgiven for finding their interlocutor banal or complaisant.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The authenticity of the writer-protagonist’s feelings is undermined by the banal familiarity of a specific indie-film model.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of banal
Adjective
  • The trace amount of peanut butter filling is just short of tasteless.
    — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas that at high levels can cause loss of consciousness and death.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of tasteless
Adjective
  • But all work and no play can make for a dull chief medical officer.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026
  • People living in Bridgeville were excited to see dull pavement.
    — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • It's been a cold, tiring week, but the light at the end of the tunnel that is a Saturday at Ikea picking out lamp shades is finally within sight.
    — Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 6 Feb. 2026
  • But studies have also shown that consuming caffeine before a mentally tiring task reduces the feeling of cognitive fatigue.
    — Katharine Gammon, Time, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of tiring

Browse Nearby Words

insinuations
insipid
insipidity
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Cite this Entry

“Insipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insipid. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insipid

Nglish: Translation of insipid for Spanish Speakers

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