1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest another moralizing tale filled with jejune platitudes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word jejune distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jejune are banal, flat, inane, insipid, and vapid. While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

When might banal be a better fit than jejune?

While the synonyms banal and jejune are close in meaning, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

Where would flat be a reasonable alternative to jejune?

While in some cases nearly identical to jejune, 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 jejune?

The words inane and jejune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

When is insipid a more appropriate choice than jejune?

The words insipid and jejune can be used in similar contexts, but insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

When would vapid be a good substitute for jejune?

In some situations, the words vapid and jejune are roughly equivalent. However, vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit.

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jejune
Adjective
  • The entire family is outraged, but Peter insists that the film is slow, boring and essentially, overrated.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Recently, Jennifer Lopez has been a big fan of natural manicures, which are anything but boring.
    Lea Hüttinger, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Objects are often askew and out of frame, and everyday sounds like a toilet flush or blinds being pulled assume a low, staticky growl, as though frights fueled by childish imagination.
    Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Speaking of childish fun, coloring is one thing, but sometimes parents have to set screen time rules and stick by them.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Republicans have blasted Democrats over the years for talking down to people, with several arguing the average voter does not like to feel stupid.
    Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
  • That’s the one thing that gets me is when my players are hurt on stupid plays like that.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • People with leukemia often have a high number of immature white blood cells called myeloblast, which are not usually present in the blood.
    Doru Paul, Health, 10 Jan. 2025
  • These immature cells can develop into different types of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs), central to immune function.8 Getting sufficient and consistent sleep can help make your body more resistant to disease and infection.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Finally, the three balanced armature drivers produce a silky finesse to the top end that is never harsh or tiring.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The days can be spent shredding the slopes, while the nights can be spent at a relaxing resort to rest after a tiring day.
    Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The travails of these people, including a suspenseful interrogation sequence sending Eunice and her adolescent daughter, their heads wrapped in black sackcloth, to the very place Rubens was seen recently.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Eugene Arnold, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Ohio State University, says the evidence for some dyes is stronger than others.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The fires have highlighted the slow disaster of the region’s aridification — and the challenges even the most committed environmentalist politicians face amid climate change.
    Sammy Feldblum, The Dial, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Now that era is over, the pendulum is starting a slow swing back toward maximalism.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Troubled juvenile hall gets another lifeline after judge punts decision on closure.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The juvenile victim, who was reportedly struck several times, suffered from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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