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Definition of bland

bland

/blænd/
bland

Adverb:blandly
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bland Lexical Profile

bland Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Lacking strong flavor or seasoning; mild and non-irritating to the palate or digestive tract.

Example

"The doctor recommended a bland diet of plain rice and broth while she recovered from the stomach flu."


2

Lacking distinctive features, excitement, or emotional depth; dull and uninspiring.

Example

"Critics complained that the sequel had a bland storyline and forgettable characters."


3

Showing no strong emotion; polite, smooth, and unruffled in manner.

Example

"The spokesperson maintained a bland smile while deflecting the reporters' pointed questions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bland

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin blandus, meaning 'soft, smooth, flattering, or pleasant to the senses,' which gradually shifted in English from 'soothing' to 'lacking distinctive flavor or interest.'

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bland. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bland
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