ho-hum 1 of 2

as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

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 ho-hum
Adjective
Will the changes rewrite the ho-hum narrative surrounding superhero blockbusters? Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025 Following a 2-0 setback at Detroit on the evening of January 25, the Tampa Bay Lightning sported a 26-19-3 mark that was good for 55 points and a rather ho-hum .541 points percentage. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Interjection
Depending on whether the context is stable (everyday ho hum) or unstable (e.g., COVID-19; tariff wars; geopolitical instability etc.), the cues that get signalled and the way leaders signal these messages change. Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Moreover, on a day-to-day basis, not just month-to-month, record lows are almost becoming, well, ho hum. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2017 See All Example Sentences for ho-hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ho-hum
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
Interjection
  • Williams also recalled witnessing the Super Bowl crowd boo Taylor Swift when she was shown on the jumbotron cheering on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs.
    Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
Adjective
  • Still, even if the growth is slower than in some North American leagues, European teams continue to appreciate.
    Justin Teitelbaum, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Despite the retirement of highly successful Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, the transition to Vulcan has been slow and continues to impact the completion of Space Force mission objectives.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • These guys have been touring for decades, never tiring of playing the hits even while steadily putting out albums full of new material.
    Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 2 June 2025
  • Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle sustains this tiring play style by deploying a 10-man rotation, allowing his players to stay fresh throughout high-intensity games.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The bittersweet result didn’t dull a remarkable career and legacy for Kelly.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • But the drama can be very stolid, borderline dull at times.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.
    Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Santa Monica residents go to war against Waymo There’s a battle brewing in Santa Monica with a fleet of unmanned, electric Waymo vehicles on one side, and exhausted, weary locals on the other.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • Reed thin and blonde, with the slouch of a weary royal, Kjær spent Tuesday afternoon directing his troops: five amateur dancers, recruited from clubs, who will perform at an opening on Saturday in a piece modeled on the firework displays at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • International students make up about 27% of the student body at the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • Former New College student Katie Helms, 47, got emotional when remembering her old mentor.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ho-hum. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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