jejune

adjective

ji-ˈjün How to pronounce jejune (audio)
Definition of jejunenext
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
2
as in childish
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children an essay filled with jejune, simplistic opinions about international politics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. boring
  2. childish
  3. stupid
  4. immature
  5. tiring
  6. adolescent
  7. slow
  8. juvenile
Adjective
  • These anything but boring side dishes let the bounty of the season shine in new and exciting ways.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Take it from this guy, who bought the beautiful Starfield limited-edition Xbox controller, headset, and console wrap for over $200, only to play the game and dump it after 20 boring hours.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • That was a childish goal of the sort that had led her to challenge deëxtinction for so many years.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Saying that people are childish and should show more journalistic integrity in a piece like this is missing the point.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of childish
Adjective
  • Friendships built on insecurity, where men constantly have to prove their manhood, are a breeding ground for toxic attitudes and stupid decision-making.
    — Terry Ward, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Also, his team told him over the radio, basically, don’t do anything stupid, Nato is going to be penalized for not using all his Attack Mode.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of stupid
Adjective
  • Both young actors are superb, each zigzagging along that fine line between immature posturing and actual, exhilarating self-realization, evoking that transitional stage through which girls like them can often seem at least three ages at once.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
  • This portion of the bone marrow comprises fat cells, immature bone, and cartilage cells that will eventually help remodel, renew, and strengthen your bones.
    — Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of immature
Adjective
  • Ultimately, many on the internet have identified this week as a particularly tiring one for Black K-pop fans.
    — Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Of course, going from shows to pickleball classes to after-hours jam sessions at B.B. King’s Blues Club can be tiring.
    — DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • One of my favorites of the important supporting cast is the charismatic Chinese couple who runs two shops in town and provides material support to the twins’ efforts to start their juke joint — Grace (Li Jun Li) and Bow Chow (Yao), who have an adolescent daughter, Lisa (Helena Hu).
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Shot at Maine North High School in Des Plaines, Ill., The Breakfast Club saw five disparate archetypical high schoolers come together, form unforgettable bonds and go through adolescent growing pains during one Saturday detention under the watchful eye of a domineering principal.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of adolescent
Adjective
  • Samsung is neck and neck with Google, but its updates are often slower and more limited on older phones.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The slowest builder finished before the one who overslept.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Adult males, called boars, are emerging from their dens this month, with females and juvenile bears expected to follow in April and early May.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Paulo needed physical therapy to recover from several surgeries to shorten her left leg to the length of her right leg — the difference a consequence of juvenile arthritis.
    — Jordan Rau, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of juvenile
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Jehovah
jejune
jell
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Cite this Entry

“Jejune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jejune. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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