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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

But Tuason’s eye for horror framing and ear for chilling sound work make the film’s inane elements easy to overlook — at least for a while.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

No great loss if so; with his inane, surfer-dude personality, he’s like an extraterrestrial Jeff Spicoli without the comic gifts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

She’s surrounded by partners and associates whose magnificently inane names sound like they were pulled from an Aaron Spelling character generator.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

I drop the inane smile as I follow him into his parlor.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black