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 The framing, blocking, and overall visual grammar have a condescending air, as if directors have surrendered to some insipid idea of who their audience is. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 Please more of this insipid propaganda. Matt Slater, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024 Bored of an increasingly insipid Premier League season? Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 Performances range from bad to worse (Jude Law as Captain Hook is permanently running on fumes), Neverland is a dreary landscape of muted greens and browns, and the story becomes an insipid take on an adventurous classic. Barry Levitt, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insipid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insipid
Adjective
  • But products also became more bland, predictable and stripped of individuality.
    Wolfgang Messner, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
  • The show never figures out what to do with Alvarez’s Gael, leaving a bland center to several more of those twists in the last episode.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people assume that longtime married couples are boring, but my husband has never bored me.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
  • Spectators perceive tennis outfits as plain, boring, rigid or limited to a specific silhouette.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
  • Trying to please everyone Trying to please everyone becomes the fastest way to dilute your value and spread it thin.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The movie surrounding it, however, seems determined to make the extraordinary seem as bumper-sticker simple and banal as humanly possible.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
  • But lawmakers and the nonpartisan office that advises them have taken issue with the timing of the seemingly banal change.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, members of the City Council voted to censure Turner for the tasteless action by a 6-3 vote.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
  • For a live bit later in the night, Johansson got to have a little fun with some of her own history by taking aim at the tasteless entertainment journalists she’s had to endure over the course of her career.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • There are a few family members who only wear olive, mustard, khaki, black and other dull colors; clunky, unattractive shoes; and few accessories.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
  • Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 is no exception, which shines with its abilities to reduce the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall dull skin.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 35-year-old started 22 of the 24 games Cronenworth missed with a fractured rib and was clearly tiring at the end, going 3-for-30 in his final nine starts.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
  • Bradley was clearly tiring, having struggled at times defensively in the second half.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insipid. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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