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

Each time clothes rub against each other in the washer, the friction abrades the fibers slightly causing the surface to look dull. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025 The tower defense minigame is a chore to play through, and Constantinople (now Istanbul) feels a little dull after exploring Renaissance Italy in the previous games. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025

Verb

However, the roller heads dulled after weekly reuse, impacting effectiveness — making regular replacements essential, though potentially costly. —

Jennifer Ford, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Prolonged exposure leads to hypothermia, slowing bodily functions, impairing movement, and dulling the senses—essentially making survival a race against time. —

Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

While tariffs offer a quick, broad response to unfair trade practices, they're often criticized as too blunt an instrument.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Officers found Mary Ogle dead inside the house with apparent blunt force trauma, police said.

— Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025