1
: one that is neutral
The two countries were neutrals while their neighbors were at war.
2
: a neutral color
She painted the room in neutrals.
3
: a position of disengagement (as of gears)
He put the car in neutral.
1
: not engaged on either side
specifically
: not aligned with a political or ideological grouping
a neutral nation
2
: of or relating to a neutral state or power
neutral territory
3
a
: not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : indifferent
b(1)
(2)
: nearly achromatic
c(1)
(2)
: lacking stamens or pistils
d
: neither acid nor basic
e
: not electrically charged
4
: produced with the tongue in the position it has when at rest
the neutral vowels of \ə-ˈbəv\ above
neutralness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of neutral in a Sentence
Noun
He put the car in neutral.
Their sister remained a neutral in the dispute.
The two countries were neutrals while their neighbors were at war.
Adjective
He remained neutral while his brothers argued.
She tries to be a fair and neutral journalist.
The battle took place in neutral waters.
The duel will be held on neutral ground.
The report was written in neutral language.
“Why did you do that?” he asked in a neutral tone of voice.
Recent Examples on the Web
Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024
Choose from 12 colors, including neutrals like black, khaki, and white.
—Emily Weaver, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
Before your appointment, try on your favorite lipstick colors in different neutral shades of rose, coral, and brown tones to see what meshes best with your skin tone.
—Kate Foster, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutral 
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Noun
Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette $35 $18
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Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette is a can't-go-wrong range of neutrals for building, blending, and wearing solo.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024
Choose from 12 colors, including neutrals like black, khaki, and white.
—Emily Weaver, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Available in six neutral shades, the set includes a pullover top with a relaxed collar and wide-leg pants with an adjustable draw strip.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
Before your appointment, try on your favorite lipstick colors in different neutral shades of rose, coral, and brown tones to see what meshes best with your skin tone.
—Kate Foster, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutral
Dictionary Entries Near neutral
Cite this Entry
“Neutral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutral. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
ˈn(y)ü-trəl 
1
: one that is neutral
2
: a neutral color
3
: a state in which transmission gears (as of a motor vehicle) are not in contact so that power from the engine is not passed to the drive shaft
neutral
2 of 2 adjective1
a
: not favoring either side in a quarrel, contest, or war
b
: of or relating to a neutral country
neutral territory
2
a
: having no distinctive characteristics
a neutral personality
b
: not feeling strongly one way or the other
3
: having no color that stands out
4
: neither acid nor basic
5
: not electrically charged
Medical Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
ˈn(y)ü-trəl
: a neutral color
neutral
2 of 2 adjective1
: not decided or pronounced as to characteristics
2
a
: totally lacking in saturation : achromatic
b
: not decided in color : nearly achromatic : of low saturation
3
: neither acid nor basic : neither acid nor alkaline
specifically
: having a pH value of 7.0
a neutral solution contains both hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions at the same concentration 1.00×10−7 —Linus Pauling
Linus Pauling 4
: not electrically charged
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