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

2 of 2

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

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 dull

Adjective

While office space sounds dull on the surface, the projects being worked on there are some of the most intriguing coming to Disney World in the next several years. —

Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025 The pain might feel like a dull ache or tightness along the spine. —

Sarah Jividen, Health, 26 Jan. 2025

Verb

While some stress-relieving supplements can have something of a sedative effect, these just calm you down without dulling your energy levels. —

Emily Orofino, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025 He was given morphine for his physical pain, but her brother’s anguish could not be dulled. —

Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

In another blunt riff on contemporary politics, Marshall hosts his own Tonight Show, by this point in full fascistic uniform.

— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
Florida’s blunt impact Instead of $182 million to support research, public universities would have received $103 million for indirect costs, a $79 million shortfall, and Florida Atlantic University could have lost roughly $800,000.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025