as in meaningless
having no meaning
inane and useless phrases, such as "have a nice day"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in vacuum
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 inane
Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2022
HBO Max's row, although not listed as sponsored, suffers from the same inane, baseless content recommendations.
—Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2022
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 10 May 2025
The stock market rebounded rapidly on Wednesday, when most of the more inane tariffs were rescinded, and then fell again on Thursday, when the reality of the conflict with China set in.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inane
Adjective
However, even his uptempo contributions border on the inane.
—Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2022
HBO Max's row, although not listed as sponsored, suffers from the same inane, baseless content recommendations.
—Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 2 Feb. 2022
Noun
The finale — in which Jigsaw, Amanda, and just about everyone else meet their maker — gives the initial storyline a satisfying conclusion, sending future screenwriters reaching for increasingly inane ways to revive the central characters.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 10 May 2025
The stock market rebounded rapidly on Wednesday, when most of the more inane tariffs were rescinded, and then fell again on Thursday, when the reality of the conflict with China set in.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inane
Adjective
-
According to Tom's Hardware, that drive also had the ability to automatically overwrite the contents of your storage with meaningless code so your original data couldn't be retrieved.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
15 July 2025
-
At the same time, begin to appreciate moments of meaningless time.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Acknowledge the situation directly during a crisis David encourages leaders to not let rumors fill the information vacuum, adding companies that immediately address the situation with clear communication prevent the spread of dangerous misinformation.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
Democrats argued that the Republican administration’s animus toward foreign aid programs would hurt America’s standing in the world and create a vacuum for China to fill.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
The scene of Stan’s eruption mirrors the film’s opening—when, out of blackness, a nothingness, the face of a boy emerges, his eyes sunk in fear.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
-
At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love — what is the point?—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
So that has been determined and everything working toward that, filling in the blanks between here and there?—
Staff Author,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
-
The goal is to have the same answer as many celebrity panelists when filling in the blank.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
The share price popped over 34% in the last five trading days from $2.29 a share at Monday's open to a price of $3.08 a share at the time of reporting.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
-
Up next: There are no major earnings after Monday’s closing bell or before Tuesday’s open.—
Jeff Marks,Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inane. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share