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Synonyms

prosaic

American  
[proh-zey-ik] / proʊˈzeɪ ɪk /
Sometimes prosaical

adjective

  1. commonplace or dull; matter-of-fact or unimaginative.

    a prosaic mind.
    Synonyms:
    uninteresting, tiresome, tedious, humdrum, vapid, everyday, ordinary

  2. of or having the character or form of prose, the ordinary form of spoken or written language, rather than of poetry.

prosaic British  
/ prəʊˈzeɪɪk /

adjective

  1. lacking imagination

  2. having the characteristics of prose

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonprosaic adjective
  • nonprosaically adverb
  • nonprosaicness noun
  • prosaically adverb
  • prosaicness noun
  • unprosaic adjective
  • unprosaical adjective
  • unprosaically adverb
  • unprosaicness noun

Etymology

Origin of prosaic

First recorded in 1650–60, prosaic is from the Late Latin word prōsaicus. See prose, -ic

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.

The implication is these disasters are being deliberately engineered, but Loader believes the causes have more prosaic roots, and have their origins in economics.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

But a new report argues that the real engine of Indian generosity is far more prosaic - and vastly larger.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Interlaced with the prosaic reflections are a series of fables involving inhabitants from the present and past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

The lacklustre performance raised concerns about Frank's prosaic tactics, which are a contrast to the club's 'to dare is to do' ethos.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

On a more prosaic level, Mrs. Weston took her to the department stores where she could revel in another type of fairyland.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.