DULL Synonyms: 695 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dull' differ from other similar words?

The words blunt and obtuse are common synonyms of dull . While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency. // a dull pain // a dull mind

Q: When can 'blunt' be used instead of 'dull'?

Although the words blunt and dull have much in common, blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception. // a person of blunt sensibility

Q: When is it sensible to use 'obtuse' instead of 'dull'?

The meanings of obtuse and dull largely overlap; however, obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination. // too obtuse to take the hint

dull 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəl

Definition of dull next

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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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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as in hazy

covered over by clouds dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach

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as in matte

lacking a surface luster or gloss a good polish should restore that car's dull finish

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as in faded

lacking intensity of color that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time

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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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as in soft

not loud in pitch or volume a dull roar from the distance

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as in sleepy

slow to move or act a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season

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dull

2 of 2

verb

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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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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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dull differ from other similar words?

The words blunt and obtuse are common synonyms of dull. While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain

a dull mind

When can blunt be used instead of dull?

Although the words blunt and dull have much in common, blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

When is it sensible to use obtuse instead of dull?

The meanings of obtuse and dull largely overlap; however, obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

Examples 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 dull

Adjective

Images may appear dull if the color rating is lower than the pure white rating. —

K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 1 Dec. 2024 How to Get Wine Out of Carpet Candle Wax Let the candle wax cool and become solid, then scrape off the wax using a plastic scraper or a dull knife. —

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024

Verb

The sharpness required to thrive in Formula 1 might be dulled, and Pourchaire’s ability to immediately step into Formula 1 might not bring in the results as immediately as wanted. —

Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 And the endless regroups have dulled some of the excitement. —

The Athletic Nhl Staff, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

He had been clubbed in the head and the face with a blunt object.

Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024
The speech veered away from the blunt partisan politics that had dominated Mr. Obama’s most recent public appearances.

Julie Bosman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024