OBTUSE Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words blunt and dull are common synonyms of obtuse . While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination. // too obtuse to take the hint

Q: When might 'blunt' be a better fit than 'obtuse'?

The synonyms blunt and obtuse are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'dull' instead of 'obtuse'?

The words dull and obtuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency. // a dull pain // a dull mind

obtuse

adjective

äb-ˈtüs

Definition of obtuse next

as in blunt

lacking sharpness of edge or point obtuse scissors designed so that young users will not cut themselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stupid

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily forgive me for being obtuse, but I wish you'd explain that to me again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obtuse differ from other similar words?

The words blunt and dull are common synonyms of obtuse. While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

When might blunt be a better fit than obtuse?

The synonyms blunt and obtuse are sometimes interchangeable, but blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

When is it sensible to use dull instead of obtuse?

The words dull and obtuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain

a dull mind

Example 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 obtuse For each subtle, smart decision in one regard, there’s a glaring, obtuse decision elsewhere, which ultimately makes an adaptation that should broaden Taddeo’s audience into a series that may only be fully appreciated by those who’ve also read the book. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2024 And what determines what is complicated with such an obtuse law? —

Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Not an obtuse reference, but a keen one, to the 1977 Bollywood film Amar Akbar Anthony, about three Indian brothers separated at birth and raised in different religious communities. —

Mallika Rao, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 The film is bursting with brilliant performances, but the two who earned the most awards buzz were Keoghan’s slippery central live-wire act and Rosamund Pike's delightfully obtuse, narcissistic Catton matriarch, Elspeth. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obtuse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtuse

Adjective

Officers found Mary Ogle dead inside the house with apparent blunt force trauma, police said.

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