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Definitions

inane

[ih-neyn] / ɪˈneɪn /


Usage

What are other ways to say inane? Inane applies to silliness that is notably lacking in content, sense, or point: inane questions that leave one with no reply. Foolish implies a lack of common sense or good judgment or, sometimes, a weakness of mind: a foolish decision; The child seems foolish. Fatuous implies being not only foolish, dull, and vacant in mind, but complacent and highly self-satisfied as well: fatuous and self-important; fatuous answers. Silly denotes extreme and conspicuous foolishness; it may also refer to pointlessness of jokes, remarks, etc.: silly and senseless behavior; a perfectly silly statement. Stupid implies natural slowness or dullness of intellect, or, sometimes, a benumbed or dazed state of mind; it is also used to mean foolish or silly: He was rendered stupid by a blow; It is stupid to do such a thing. Asinine originally meant like an ass; it applies to witlessly stupid conversations or conduct and suggests a lack of social grace or perception: He failed to notice the reaction to his asinine remarks.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before “Yellowstone” hit, most prime-time TV was crime shows, reality shows and inane sitcoms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

It’s beyond inane and so undercooked that it can’t manage to horseshoe its way back to brilliant, but there’s no other way I’d like it.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Privately, they have explained to me that it is the manager’s decision to blast inane, Paleolithic Rick Astley tunes at ear-shattering volumes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025

Others debated why the show had lost its spark: too many inane games, over-edited drama, and a focus on contestant personalities instead of actual cooking.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2025

If I didn’t need a scholarship to even think about attending college, I’d quit these inane games!

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein