neutral

noun

neu·tral | \ ˈnü-trəl

, ˈnyü-\

Definition of neutral

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : one that is neutral The two countries were neutrals while their neighbors were at war.

2 : a neutral color She painted the room in neutrals.

3 : a position of disengagement (as of gears) He put the car in neutral.

neutral

adjective

Definition of neutral (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : not engaged on either side specifically : not aligned with a political or ideological grouping a neutral nation

2 : of or relating to a neutral state or power neutral territory

3a : not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : indifferent

b(1) : achromatic

(2) : nearly achromatic

c(1) : neuter sense 3

(2) : lacking stamens or pistils

d : neither acid nor basic

e : not electrically charged

4 : produced with the tongue in the position it has when at rest the neutral vowels of \ə-ˈbəv\ above

Other Words from neutral Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about neutral

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Synonyms & Antonyms for neutral

Synonyms: Adjective

nonpartisan

Antonyms: Adjective

allied, confederate

Examples of neutral in a Sentence

Noun

He put the car in neutral. Their sister remained a neutral in the dispute. The two countries were neutrals while their neighbors were at war.

Adjective

He remained neutral while his brothers argued. She tries to be a fair and neutral journalist. The battle took place in neutral waters. The duel will be held on neutral ground. The report was written in neutral language. “Why did you do that?” he asked in a neutral tone of voice.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Try these clingy knitted numbers in easy neutrals or muted stripes. — Vogue, "These 24 Dresses Are a No-Fuss Solution to Spring Style," 31 Mar. 2019 The collection includes pillowcase sets, core sheet sets, and duvet covers, all available in three gorgeous neutrals that make mixing and matching easy as ever. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Brooklinen’s New Cashmere Bedding Will Make You Never Want to Leave Your Bed," 8 Feb. 2019 On Lively’s eyes was a subtle, natural look created by light neutrals (pinks and beiges) of a powdery texture from Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow in 537. — Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, "How to Get Blake Lively's Hair and Makeup From A Simple Favor," 14 Sep. 2018 An additional video later confirmed the impending palette, lifting the lid to reveal 10 shades of bronzes, some reds, and a few neutrals. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Pat McGrath Labs Announced the September Launch of Their Mothership V: Bronze Seduction Palette," 17 Aug. 2018 The brand has also released its Color Trends 2019, a palette of hues, ranging from neutrals to rich blues and greens, that all complement Metropolitan. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "Benjamin Moore's 2019 Color of the Year is a Cool Gray," 11 Oct. 2018 The velvet glam accents and relaxing palette of neutrals and purples lent a chic and coordinated energy in every room. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "An Exclusive Look Inside Shay Mitchell’s Stunning Office Remodel," 4 Sep. 2018 In parallel, the couple set out to redecorate the entire apartment, trading its earlier scheme of white-and-gray minimalism for a more textured palette of black, grays, and neutrals. — Nick Sullivan, ELLE Decor, "A Snug New York Bachelor Pad Is Morphed Into a Swank and Spacious Home," 20 Nov. 2018 Rich taupes with rustic, sandy undertones are the easiest neutrals to incorporate to a space — whether as an accent with accessories like throw pillows or a larger piece, like a rug. — Alexis Jonnson, Good Housekeeping, "The Prettiest Colors Popping Up in Homes This Year," 19 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Currently, there are eight nursery themes to choose from: woodland, boho chic, modern gray, modern boy or girl, classic boy or girl, and classic gender neutral. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How Walmart's New Baby Registry Actually Works," 4 Apr. 2019 Whether your style leans more colorful and boho, or neutral and traditional, there's a little something for everyone among these outdoor furniture picks. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "The Best Outdoor Furniture For Every Style, From Sofas to Dining Sets," 4 Apr. 2019 Grab the handles and place your hands directly in front of your thighs, arms down, neck neutral. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Work Your Core and Upper Body With This 5-Move TRX Circuit From Celebrity Trainer Jeanette Jenkins," 4 Apr. 2019 Try to keep it as neutral as possible so your face doesn't look too shiny. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "How to Look Amazing in Your Driver's License Photo," 2 Apr. 2019 If fiscally possible, choosing a neutral space seems ideal. — Karley Sciortino, Vogue, "Breathless: Is Living Together Worth the Risk?," 26 Mar. 2019 For example, if your style is contemporary, Target ‘s neutral-hued Project 62 abstract outdoor rugs, lumbar pillows, club chairs and string lights would blend nicely. — Kim Cook, The Seattle Times, "A small but social spot: Trends in front-porch decorating," 26 Mar. 2019 After two minutes of erratic behavior, with the plane experiencing loads of up to 4.6g, the rudder inexplicably returned to neutral. — Jeff Wise, Popular Mechanics, "4 Times Before the Boeing 737 Max 8 That Plane Automation Software Went Haywire," 18 Mar. 2019 For a look that's simultaneously relaxed and serious, try wearing high-rise, wide-leg linen trousers with flat sandals in a neutral hue. — Nicola Fumo, Harper's BAZAAR, "5 Chic Looks You Can Wear to Work and on the Weekend," 18 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neutral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near neutral

Statistics for neutral

Last Updated

13 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for neutral

The first known use of neutral was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for neutral

neutral

noun

English Language Learners Definition of neutral

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a color that is not bright or strong : a neutral color

: the position of the gears in a car, truck, etc., when they do not touch each other and power from the engine does not move the wheels

: a person, country, etc., that does not support either side of an argument, fight, war, etc.

neutral

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of neutral (Entry 2 of 2)

: not supporting either side of an argument, fight, war, etc.

: not supporting one political view over another

: not connected with either side involved in a war, contest, etc.

See the full definition for neutral in the English Language Learners Dictionary

neutral

noun

neu·tral | \ ˈnü-trəl

, ˈnyü-\

Kids Definition of neutral

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a person or group that does not favor either side in a quarrel, contest, or war

2 : a grayish color or color that is not bright

3 : a position of gears (as in the transmission of a motor vehicle) in which they are not in contact

neutral

adjective

Kids Definition of neutral (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : not favoring either side in a quarrel, contest, or war

2 : of or relating to a country that doesn't favor either side in a dispute neutral territory

3 : not strong in opinion or feeling My feelings toward work are neutral.

4 : having a color that is not bright : grayish neutral walls

5 : neither acid nor basic

6 : not electrically charged

neutral

noun

neu·tral | \ ˈn(y)ü-trəl

Medical Definition of neutral

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a neutral color

neutral

adjective

Medical Definition of neutral (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : not decided or pronounced as to characteristics

2a : totally lacking in saturation : achromatic

b : not decided in color : nearly achromatic : of low saturation

3 : neither acid nor basic : neither acid nor alkaline specifically : having a pH value of 7.0 a neutral solution contains both hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions at the same concentration 1.00×10⁻⁷ — Linus Pauling

4 : not electrically charged

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neutral

noun

neu·tral

Legal Definition of neutral

(Entry 1 of 2)

: one that is neutral specifically : an impartial person used in alternative dispute resolution to help resolve or to determine the matters in dispute