VAPID Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'vapid' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vapid are banal , flat , inane , insipid , and jejune . While all these words mean "devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character," vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit. // an exciting story given a vapid treatment

Q: When can 'banal' be used instead of 'vapid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vapid , banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy. // a banal tale of unrequited love

Q: When is 'flat' a more appropriate choice than 'vapid'?

Although the words flat and vapid have much in common, flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest. // although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

Q: When would 'inane' be a good substitute for 'vapid'?

The words inane and vapid can be used in similar contexts, but inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality. // an inane interpretation of the play

Q: In what contexts can 'insipid' take the place of 'vapid'?

In some situations, the words insipid and vapid are roughly equivalent. However, insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest. // an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

Q: Where would 'jejune' be a reasonable alternative to 'vapid'?

The meanings of jejune and vapid largely overlap; however, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance. // a jejune and gassy speech

vapid

adjective

Definition of vapid next

as in boring

formal not lively or interesting a song with vapid lyrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word vapid distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

an exciting story given a vapid treatment

When can banal be used instead of vapid?

While in some cases nearly identical to vapid, banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy.

a banal tale of unrequited love

When is flat a more appropriate choice than vapid?

Although the words flat and vapid have much in common, flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest.

although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat

When would inane be a good substitute for vapid?

The words inane and vapid can be used in similar contexts, but inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality.

an inane interpretation of the play

In what contexts can insipid take the place of vapid?

In some situations, the words insipid and vapid are roughly equivalent. However, insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest.

an insipid romance with platitudes on every page

Where would jejune be a reasonable alternative to vapid?

The meanings of jejune and vapid largely overlap; however, jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance.

a jejune and gassy speech

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 vapid Lamar portrayed Drake as a vapid, exploitative pop star. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2024 Though the film currently holds a 74% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with critics attributing much of the success to Washington, others bemoaned its vapid execution. —

Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Nov. 2024 The notion that morning TV talk-show hosts are a vapid lot is, well, not exactly a damning critique, but like so much of Don’t Look Up, it’s held up as a scathing, startling takedown, and Blanchett plays it with the same level of obviousness. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 What is remarkable about these conversations isn’t the subject matter itself, but how vapid, predictable, and sycophantic the back-and-forth becomes. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vapid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vapid

Adjective

Harris, the narrator’s husband: Paul Mescal or Nick Kroll Can Ireland's sexiest chain-wearer reinvent himself as a boring straight guy who's not entirely fulfilling his wife?

— Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
From awful ads to a divisive halftime show to a boring game, 10 things to forget.

— Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025