Bland | Definition of bland by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of BLAND

1

a : smooth and soothing in manner or quality <a bland smile>

b : exhibiting no personal concern or embarrassment : unperturbed <a bland confession of guilt>

2

a : not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating : soothing

b : dull, insipid <bland stories with little plot or action>

— bland·ly \ˈblan(d)-lē\ adverb

— bland·ness \ˈblan(d)-nəs\ noun

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Origin of BLAND

Latin blandus

First Known Use: 1565

Related to BLAND

Synonyms: balmy, benign, gentle, delicate, light, mellow, mild, nonabrasive, soft, soothing, tender

Antonyms: abrasive, caustic, coarse, hard, harsh, rough, scathing, stern, ungentle

Synonym Discussion of BLAND

suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.