HO-HUM Synonyms: 191 Similar and Opposite Words

ho-hum 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhō-ˈhəm

Definition of ho-hum

as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

as in boo

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of ho-hum

Adjective

However, after a year's worth of ho-hum post-earnings price action, this could be the one that reignites the fire. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The ho-hum on Supergirl was further exacerbated by the response to the first trailer and the takeaway from CinemaCon (the bus battle scene wasn’t entirely embraced when shown in the room). — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Interjection

Scottie Scheffler, ho hum The world’s best golfer won The American Express yesterday in his first start of the year, which is both astounding and unsurprising. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust. — Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ho-hum

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ho-hum

Adjective

Let’s start with tracking Savu, where, because of the tiny tribes, the most obvious and boring thing ends up happening.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Smith is betting that in a market where every phone looks the same, the bigger risk is being boring.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of boring

Interjection

Williams also recalled witnessing the Super Bowl crowd boo Taylor Swift when she was shown on the jumbotron cheering on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce.

— Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Highlights include a costume parade (for kids and parents), a Purim story and boo Haman and songs.

— Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024

Definition of boo

Interjection

Those two characters served as the yin and yang for the early MCU — Stark the brash, rakish genius; Cap the stalwart, aw shucks warrior — that became the franchise’s gravitational center.

— Adam B. Vary, Variety, 15 Feb. 2024
That’s what’s got everybody’s eyes rolling, her aw shucks/ohmygod!

— Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 7 July 2023

Definition of shucks

Adjective

Tommy Gemmell, advanced from left-back, provided the equaliser on 63 minutes and with Inter tiring and Celtic still pushing, Chalmers scored the famous winner with six minutes left.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
But after a while, the lack of grounding gets tiring, as various supernatural shenanigans appear to be determined more by plot convenience than anything else.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of tiring

Adjective

Like scoops of an ocean unmarred by humans, quarts of seaweed soup sit next to other flavors like spicy beef and pine nut and soybean, a shade of creamy beige so calming, one glance is enough to effectively absolve the color of its dull reputation.

— Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
If your skin's looking a little dull or feeling rough, the best alpha hydroxy acid products might be exactly what your routine is missing.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of dull

Adjective

The political hardball and outside money have left some observers weary.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Voting reflected unease over Netanyahu’s alliance with the far-right and anger in a war-weary nation over military draft exemptions for the significant ultra-Orthodox Jewish population.

— Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of weary

Browse Nearby Words

hog wild

ho-hum

ho hum

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ho-hum. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ho-hum

adjective

interjection

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes