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Definition of dullnext
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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily the importance of the discovery was lost on the dull minds of his colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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dull

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verb

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
The shiny and dull sides of aluminum foil result from the manufacturing process. Tamara Gane, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 Essentially, a dull mower blade compromises the health and appearance of your grass. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026
Verb
The loss of Joseph Ossai might sting a little, but the potential production from Maye and Lawrence should dull the ache. Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Concern has grown over on whether AI will become a catalyst that enriches humanity or a technological toxin that dulls human intelligence while wiping out millions of high-paying jobs. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • Later that day, some Republican senators who have been hesitant to challenge the president directly on the Iran war were blunt in their criticism of his deal to end it.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • The medical examiner's office later determined the cause of death to be child abuse, including blunt force trauma, neglect, starvation and dehydration.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes safe and boring can be a winning strategy.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • The cause can be something as simple as a lack of water or more complex, like fungal wilt diseases, tomato wilt viruses, walnut toxicity, or boring insects.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • In the private ward in the maternity wing, everything is quiet, all the surfaces immaculate and clean as if nothing at all has happened, your mother still hazy with the blur of oxytocin and carbetocin, staring out the open window.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Directed by Son Jae-gon and starring Gang Dong-won, Uhm Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun, the film tracks a faded first-generation K-pop co-ed dance trio making a reckless attempt to stage a comeback two decades after a plagiarism scandal dissolved their careers.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • The one difference was a new layer of red bricks over the faded previous layer.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • And the script’s very cute but deeply dumb leading man, Alex (Nico Carney), climbs a flight of stairs toward his best friend’s bedroom door.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026
  • And there are no ego-destroying confrontations with people who know how to do things, who tell you that your idea is dumb.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • But so do bursts of color, softer fabrics and strange patterns.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Summer is a sleepy season for new cookbooks.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 25 June 2026
  • On paper, New York State Comptroller is a sleepy job.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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