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

This still might be a relatively quick series if New York can wrap things up in Saturday’s Game 5, but it can no longer be considered ho-hum. — Bob Harkins, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Where pre-2020 San Jose might have seen packed lunch spots and ho-hum nightlife, that cycle has now flipped. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 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

Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.

— Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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

Adjective

Those include Japan’s massive debt that exceeds 200% of GDP, fiscal stimulus that’s expected to worsen the deficit, and a central bank that’s been slow to raise rates in the face of high inflation.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
With two outs, Junior Caminero hit a slow roller on a 1-2 slider that third baseman Encarnacion-Strand could not field cleanly for a run-scoring infield single.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of slow

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

Food & Drink You’ll find just two dining venues on the property, The Dining Room (which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and the poolside Palapa Bar, but there’s no chance of tiring of the fare.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
Permanent Marker Removal Trying to scrub permanent marker away is tiring, time-consuming, and often futile without some type of product to loosen the marker.

— Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of tiring

Adjective

The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of stupid

Adjective

Walmart, Target and other retailers have been pushing discounts for the fall season, seeking to lure inflation-weary shoppers.

— Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
There were plenty of boulders to sit on, and even a chair someone hauled up for weary hikers.

— Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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

balmy

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

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

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes