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
Emily Weaver, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
At Interwoven, Moore & Giles introduced a range of new colors in its Mont Blanc carbon-neutral line, including on-trend pink and mauve, as well as classic neutrals and earthy greens and blues.
—Jennifer Bringle, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
What constitutes the neutral rate has been a key point of debate in recent months, and Lagarde said Thursday that while it had not been discussed at the December meeting, staff saw it between 1.75% and 2.5%.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutral 
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Noun
The knit shirt comes in eight colors, including neutrals like white, black, and brown.
—Emily Weaver, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
At Interwoven, Moore & Giles introduced a range of new colors in its Mont Blanc carbon-neutral line, including on-trend pink and mauve, as well as classic neutrals and earthy greens and blues.
—Jennifer Bringle, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The Animal Humane Society says that the best introductions are done outdoors, in a neutral space so neither dog is overwhelmed.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
What constitutes the neutral rate has been a key point of debate in recent months, and Lagarde said Thursday that while it had not been discussed at the December meeting, staff saw it between 1.75% and 2.5%.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 16 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 24 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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