blunt

1 of 3

adjective

ˈblənt 

1

: having an edge or point that is not sharp

scissors with blunt ends

was hit over the head with a blunt instrument

gave her bangs a blunt cut just above her eyebrows

2

a

: abrupt in speech or manner

She tends to be blunt.

a blunt refusal

b

: being straight to the point : direct

To be perfectly blunt, I don't think he can do it.

3

a

: slow or deficient in feeling : insensitive

… showing how blunt the eyes and ears of writers generally are …

—Norman Foerster

b

: obtuse (see obtuse sense 2a) in understanding or discernment : dull

his blunt mind

bluntly adverb

bluntness noun

blunt

2 of 3

verb

blunted; blunting; blunts

transitive verb

: to make less sharp, definite, or forceful

an ax blunted from use

blunted their criticism by praising her enthusiasm

intransitive verb

: to become blunt (see blunt entry 1)

blunt

3 of 3

noun

: a cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with marijuana

Synonyms

Adjective

• abrupt
• short
• gruff
• curt
• outspoken
• brusque

Verb

• dull
• reduce
• numb

Choose the Right Synonym for blunt

dull, blunt, obtuse mean not sharp, keen, or acute.

dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain

a dull mind

blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner.

bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Examples of blunt in a Sentence

Adjective

To be perfectly blunt, I find her annoying.

He was blunt about needing more privacy.

Verb

a weapon blunted by use

the mushy music blunted the effect of the movie's final tragic scene

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Some policymakers have advocated for blunt price caps as a quick solution to escalating drug prices. —Rita Numerof, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

What the Internet Said Responses ranged from blunt warnings to bittersweet reflections. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

Verb

The spread of open-source blunts monopolistic tendencies and democratizes innovation, a major check against doomer fears. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025

The Ukrainians will bloody him on the battlefield and the U.S. and our allies must keep on the sanctions to blunt Putin’s power and his vision of an imperial Russia retaking its place in the firmament of global powers. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025

Noun

This year’s cannabis experience and awards competition recently added blunts, hash and chocolates to its roster of subcategories for a total of 50. —Kat Tran updated July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025

During a small set at Hollywood’s Desert 5 Spot lounge, Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance on stage, staying true to his public persona by wearing sunglasses and smoking a blunt. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 23 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English blont, of uncertain origin

Verb

Middle English blonten, verbal derivative of blont blunt entry 1

Noun

from blunt "a short, thick cigar," noun derivative of blunt entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1988, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing blunt

• blunt instrument
• blunt trauma

Rhymes for blunt

• brunt
• bunt
• front
• grunt
• shunt
• stunt
• affront
• confront
• exeunt
• forefront
• lakefront
• manhunt

Kids Definition

blunt

1 of 2 adjective

ˈblənt 

1

: slow or lacking in feeling or understanding

2

: having an edge or point that is not sharp

3

: abrupt in speech or manner

bluntly adverb

bluntness noun

blunt

2 of 2 verb

: to make or become less sharp