1
as in blunt
lacking sharpness of edge or point
the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it
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2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
a dull dance recital that made us wish that we were someplace else
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3
as in hazy
covered over by clouds
dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach
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4
as in matte
lacking a surface luster or gloss
a good polish should restore that car's dull finish
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5
as in faded
lacking intensity of color
that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time
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6
as in stupid
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
the importance of the discovery was lost on the dull minds of his colleagues
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7
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
a dull roar from the distance
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8
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season
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1
as in to blunt
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better
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2
as in to bleach
to make white or lighter by removing color
the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of dull
C.j. Chivers Robert Fass Krish Seenivasan Steven Szczesniak, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Additionally, all of the sweating—coupled with the circulation boost—has also impacted my often dry, dull skin, providing a more glowy effect.
—Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 27 Dec. 2024
Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 27 Nov. 2024
Ethiopia has always been a source of artistic energy, a wellspring of inspiration that could not be dulled by time or distance.
—Essence, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dull 
Adjective
The kitchen, its cupboard doors ajar and drawers scattered about, was a dull mess.
—C.j. Chivers Robert Fass Krish Seenivasan Steven Szczesniak, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Additionally, all of the sweating—coupled with the circulation boost—has also impacted my often dry, dull skin, providing a more glowy effect.
—Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
It’s even been easy to clean smaller messes and the fabric hasn’t pilled or dulled.
—Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 27 Nov. 2024
Ethiopia has always been a source of artistic energy, a wellspring of inspiration that could not be dulled by time or distance.
—Essence, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
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This massage gun is equipped with seven different massage head attachments to provide pin-point precision, blunt pressure, and everything in between.Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Jan. 2025
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To be somewhat blunt about it: Rasa has notes akin to a milder Ricola cough drop.Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Covering the entertainment business is never boring, and 2025 is already shaping up to be another banger as business models that have been around for decades continue to evolve, erode and unravel.Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
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News to Know Disney buys Fubo On its face, the move might sound like a boring press release.Chris Branch, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After the multiple reports of the train delays, a first responder at the apartment building said over radio that there was burned food in a second-floor apartment and a slight hazy smoke on the second floor.Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
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In the 2010s, when people were coming and buying four-packs of hazy I.P.A. for $16, $18, $20 directly from breweries, that was a very lucrative time.Terence McGinley, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But unlike most matte lip products, this viral formula doesn't feel drying on the lips, courtesy of a whole host of skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, cotton seed oil, green tea oil and mango oil.Denise Primbet, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2024
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In one snap, their son, Bronze, 2, smiles in the front seat of a mini, matte black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Cookbook collectors are well acquainted with the wisdom hidden on a faded page or scribbled on old recipe cards used for bookmarks.Rai Mincey, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
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Its faded and dusty mansions are spangled with Italian marble floors, Mudéjar ceilings, and the fanciest European furniture of the day, now wracked by termites.Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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So ridiculous the referee initially had trouble believing that anyone could be so reckless & stupid.The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
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And there was no such thing ever as a bad decision or a stupid question.Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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As the discipline matures, soft skills such as communication and cross-functional teamwork will prove just as critical as technical acumen.Srikanta Datta, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Buck stands under the soft glow of Tiffany-style fixtures, his guitar slung casually over his shoulders and his brown cowboy hat casting a shadow over his black denim jacket.Maxwell Williams, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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January is typically the sleepiest month on the MLB calendar, and the New York Yankees likely won’t disturb slumber much.Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
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When the sun goes down, the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is not a sleepy town.Outside Online, Outside Online, 6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near dull
Cite this Entry
“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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