dull

verb

dulled; dulling; dulls
Synonyms of dullnext

transitive verb

: to make dull
dull a knife's edge

intransitive verb

: to become dull
The blade dulled with use.

Examples of dull in a Sentence

Fog dulled the morning sunlight. Special earplugs dulled the sound of the chain saw. His hair dulled as he aged. The dog's eyes dulled as he got sick. She takes medicine to dull the pain. Fear dulled his need for adventure. The knife was dulled from use. The blade should be replaced as soon as it dulls.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 Freezing can dull the garlic and lemon flavors, Schwan says, so adding those ingredients back in helps the hummus taste fresh again. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026 At some point, the bracket creep is going to overreach into the point of diminishing marginal returns — dulling regular seasons and perhaps ultimately even eventually interest in the postseasons. Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026 For longer storage, ripe tomatoes can be kept in the refrigerator, but note that chilling can dull their flavor and change their texture. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull

Word History

Etymology
First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dull was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dull. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

dull

1 of 2 adjective
1
: mentally slow : stupid
2
3
: slow in action : sluggish
4
: lacking sharpness of edge or point
5
: lacking brilliance or luster
6
: not ringing, sharp, or intense
a dull roar
7
8
: tedious, uninteresting
a dull lecture
9
: slightly grayish
a dull blue
dullness noun
also dulness
dully adverb

dull

2 of 2 verb
: to make or become dull

Medical Definition

dull

adjective
1
: mentally slow or stupid
2
: slow in perception or sensibility
3
: lacking sharpness of edge or point
a dull scalpel
4
: lacking in force, intensity, or acuteness
a dull pain
dull verb
dullness noun
or dulness
dully adverb

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