inane

American  

[ih-neyn] / ɪˈneɪn /

adjective

1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly.

   inane questions.

   Synonyms:

   pointless, absurd

2. empty; void.

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noun

1. something that is empty or void, especially the void of infinite space.

inane British  

/ ɪˈneɪn /

adjective

1. senseless, unimaginative, or empty; unintelligent

   inane remarks

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Usage

What are other ways to say inane? Something inane lacks sense, significance, or ideas. Do you know when to use inane, fatuous, silly, foolish, stupid, and asinine? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

• inanely adverb

Etymology

Origin of inane

First recorded in 1655–65, inane is from the Latin word inānis

Example Sentences

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

I stammered inane commentary as my eyes tried to refocus.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025

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

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black