inanity

noun

inan·​i·​ty i-ˈna-nə-tē How to pronounce inanity (audio)
plural inanities
Synonyms of inanitynext
1
: the quality or state of being inane: such as
a
: vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
b
: lack of substance : emptiness
2
: something that is inane

Synonyms of inanity

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Examples of inanity in a Sentence

quickly realized that her suggestion was an inanity and withdrew it the jaw-dropping inanity of the singer's comments on the awards show
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
All this inanity takes place over the course of a handful of days, during which no one ever seems to change clothes. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 The music movie tries to capture the insanity and inanity of being a modern celebrity. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026 The inanity and nihilism is still there, but tinged with something darker and more permanent, a sense that the rules of capitalism changed. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Dec. 2025 The post-liberals stand for cruelty and inanity, but Brooks can’t admit to standing for much of anything at all. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inanity

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inanity was in 1603

Rhymes for inanity

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Browse Nearby Words

inanition
inanity
in annoyance
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Cite this Entry

“Inanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inanity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inanity

noun
inan·​i·​ty in-ˈan-ət-ē How to pronounce inanity (audio)
plural inanities
1
: the quality or state of being inane
2
: something inane

More from Merriam-Webster on inanity

Nglish: Translation of inanity for Spanish Speakers

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