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 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 Bored of an increasingly insipid Premier League season? —Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 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 bland Ballade is a lesser score by the late 19th and early 20th century British composer who deserves a revival for his more substantial works.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • In both vehicles he was played by George Reeves, polite, bland and not noticeably muscled.
    — Tom Gliatto, People.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of bland
Adjective
  • The main reason Jacksonville is so boring, FinanceBuzz found, is that much of its population is thinly scattered across the city.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • GoPro has also dropped a white version and a forest green version if black is too boring for you.
    — Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 8 July 2025
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • The Series 10 is also thinner, lighter, easier to wear, and charges faster than previous models.
    — Adrienne So, Wired News, 12 July 2025
  • Often, the first real cracks appear in prime borrowers who were stretched thin, quietly falling behind while headlines focus on everything else.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • Without concrete data to support unconventional ideas, marketing executives often default to the path of least resistance: safe, banal, predictable campaigns.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Indeed, the banal predictability of Kornyev’s slowly mounting humiliations and disillusionments is very much the point.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2025
Definition of banal
Adjective
  • LaCroix Sparkling Water Pure: Our panel declared LaCroix simply tasteless.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 July 2025
  • Prom season is here and so are memories of awkward poses, cringeworthy dresses and tasteless tuxedos.
    — Jordan Kellogg, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of tasteless
Adjective
  • Generally, names as a kind of artist name are quite dull nowadays anyway.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
  • Sometimes, an artist who is too long viewed as an outsider to Music City's style and sound will see the shine of the bright lights grow dull on their art.
    — Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • After a tiring day walking around the parks, the most relaxing, soothing and healing experience is to sit out on the decks of the treehouse.
    — Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Dickinson led off the semifinal game and roped a double off his metal bat that Smith said woke him up from a long, tiring day.
    — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 8 July 2025
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 18 Jul. 2025.

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