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 But the insipid Premier League displays that have pushed the club to the lower reaches of the table mean there is a scarcity of belief that such an outcome will come to pass. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Bored of an increasingly insipid Premier League season? Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for insipid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insipid
Adjective
  • Out-of-season tomatoes—notoriously pale, mealy, and bland—tend to be tomatoes in name only.
    Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
  • Apparently, the line is bland but also profound and ironic, and all of that whooshes over my head, too, but that’s Saturday.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hunter: The Reckoning puts players in the role of regular people who know monsters are real and can’t go back to their old, boring lives.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Take away the road courses or boring ovals and race more street courses.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Armstrong provides another veteran depth option to vie for a roster spot in a position group that’s already thin and now ailing.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • The market is thin in run-producing bats, and O'Hearn not only fills that need but is versatile enough to play the corner outfield spots as well.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • What’s actually the most interesting thing is to go the opposite route and go pure banal.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 May 2025
  • On the first day of class, a student asked an understandably practical and banal question about the professor’s grading policy.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Their betrayal of their own family was tasteless and tacky.
    Brie Stimson , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
  • The mere thought of enduring a week or more of watery, tasteless, or bitter coffee can be daunting.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The only other real difference was that the no-sugar version looked shinier and gummier, whereas the originals were a bit duller in comparison.
    Lisa DeSantis, Glamour, 29 July 2025
  • Changeable conditions usually make for exciting races, but 2025 was a bit dull.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Kennedy’s opponent, Vice President Richard Nixon, seemed to embody what voters were tiring of—the stale complacency and status quo of the 1950s.
    Time, Time, 23 July 2025
  • There are only so many new stories to be told, and audiences seem to be tiring of the monotony.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insipid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insipid. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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