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

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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

Now, just because the emphasis is on practicality doesn’t mean the season’s collections were dull. —

Bella Gerard, refinery29.com, 16 Oct. 2024 The trick to not having this look appear flat and dull is to allow some natural dimension to peek through. —

Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

This ensemble would, in the hands of another director, feel like an abundance of riches, but Liman opts to give The Instigators a grubby, underdone style that dulls a lot of the supporting cast’s colorful work. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024 This style somewhat dulls the dramatic impact of Papa, despite ample use of slow-motion, music and other techniques meant to try and heighten sensations. —

Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

After White’s body was found, an autopsy ruled the cause of her death as homicide with evidence of strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head, according to police.

Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Last month, five Republican U.S. senators returned from a trip to Hungary with a blunt declaration – that Orbán's government had displayed a noticeable shift toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Flora Garamvolgyi, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024