blunt

1 of 3

adjective

ˈblənt 

1

: having an edge or point that is not sharp

scissors with blunt ends

was hit over the head with a blunt instrument

gave her bangs a blunt cut just above her eyebrows

2

a

: abrupt in speech or manner

She tends to be blunt.

a blunt refusal

b

: being straight to the point : direct

To be perfectly blunt, I don't think he can do it.

3

a

: slow or deficient in feeling : insensitive

… showing how blunt the eyes and ears of writers generally are …

—Norman Foerster

b

: obtuse (see obtuse sense 2a) in understanding or discernment : dull

his blunt mind

bluntly adverb

bluntness noun

blunt

2 of 3

verb

blunted; blunting; blunts

transitive verb

: to make less sharp, definite, or forceful

an ax blunted from use

blunted their criticism by praising her enthusiasm

intransitive verb

: to become blunt (see blunt entry 1)

blunt

3 of 3

noun

: a cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with marijuana

Synonyms

Adjective

• abrupt
• bluff
• brusque
• brusk
• crusty
• curt
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

Verb

• benumb
• cauterize
• damp
• dampen
• deaden
• dull
• numb

Choose the Right Synonym for blunt

dull, blunt, obtuse mean not sharp, keen, or acute.

dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain

a dull mind

blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner.

bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Examples of blunt in a Sentence

Adjective

To be perfectly blunt, I find her annoying.

He was blunt about needing more privacy.

Verb

a weapon blunted by use

the mushy music blunted the effect of the movie's final tragic scene

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Navarro is known for her blunt and ruthless commentary, and she’s become an influential avatar for disaffected Republicans. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024

After Trump criticized Germany's energy policy, claiming the country was having second thoughts about its renewable energy transition, Berlin's foreign ministry issued an uncharacteristically blunt rebuttal. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024

Verb

Trump has ramped up his campaigning in recent weeks to try to blunt Harris’ momentum, blanketing the battleground states with rallies and other appearances. —Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2024

After the explosion, CNBC says SpaceX scrambled to rebuild the launchpad and install a water deluge system meant to blunt the tremendous heat, energy, and sound from launches. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2024

Noun

Now edibles can be eaten and blunts blazed at a large outdoor consumption lounge for those 21 and over. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 11 July 2024

Transferring a metaphor from one use to another blunts its effect. —Discover Magazine, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English blont, of uncertain origin

Verb

Middle English blonten, verbal derivative of blont blunt entry 1

Noun

from blunt "a short, thick cigar," noun derivative of blunt entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1988, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing blunt

• blunt instrument
• blunt trauma

Kids Definition

blunt

1 of 2 adjective

ˈblənt 

1

: slow or lacking in feeling or understanding

2

: having an edge or point that is not sharp

3

: abrupt in speech or manner

bluntly adverb

bluntness noun

blunt

2 of 2 verb

: to make or become less sharp