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.
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
3
a
: not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : indifferent
b(1)
(2)
: nearly achromatic
c(1)
(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
neutralness
noun
Synonyms
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023
The Stanley Quencher is available in 20 color options including neutrals like black and gray, plus splashier shades like bright blue and orange, all of which look sleek and polished.
—Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023
Available exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com, the designer-inspired 2024 Color Collection of the Year includes ten refreshing neutrals combined with gentle, bright shades that create a new twist on traditional color combinations.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023
Read on for those pearls of wisdom—and where to find the wear-with-anything neutrals that feel so appealing right now.
—Alex Badia, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2023
As for choosing a color for your bedroom makeover, popular options include a calming shade of blue, green and purple, simple neutrals like beige and moody hues like dark green or matte black.
—Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2023
There are 14 hues to sift through (including neutrals like white, gray, and beige and more vibrant options like purple, orange, and turquoise), giving you ample styling options throughout the year.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023
Meanwhile, Hughes has seen a shift toward elevated neutrals.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2023
Choose from 20 different colors ranging from versatile neutrals to bold statement-making colors.
—Rachael Green, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2023
Kaylee Remington, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2023
The model also kept the rest of her accessories neutral for the same effect, with sunglasses, a bucket hat, and a structured crossbody bag all in black.
—Ana Serrano, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2023
Louisville vs Indiana odds Louisville is a nine-point favorite over Indiana in the neutral site contest, per Circa Sports.
—Alexis Cubit, The Courier-Journal, 11 Sep. 2023
Any nation in Europe that managed to stay independent and neutral throughout the World Wars can tell you that war affects you even if your country isn’t a combatant.
—John Gustavsson, National Review, 10 Sep. 2023
That's in part because, of course, Russia and China are members of the G20, and India is officially neutral on the war.
—CBS News, 10 Sep. 2023
Auburn has a 7-2 record against opponents from the Pac-12 and its ancestral conferences, with three of the games in Auburn, two in bowls, two at neutral sites and one in Birmingham.
—Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 9 Sep. 2023
Travelers have their choice of nine bright or neutral colors to inject some personality into their luggage selection, and the expandable bag is even ideal for known overpackers.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2023
Today, the Reform Club continues to host a lively social community (that is, now, politically neutral), hosting over 100 events a year and functioning as a full-service hotel and restaurant.
—Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 8 Sep. 2023
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Noun
It's filled with bold statement colors and soft, charming neutrals for an exciting, playful feel for any style.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023
The Stanley Quencher is available in 20 color options including neutrals like black and gray, plus splashier shades like bright blue and orange, all of which look sleek and polished.
—Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023
Available exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com, the designer-inspired 2024 Color Collection of the Year includes ten refreshing neutrals combined with gentle, bright shades that create a new twist on traditional color combinations.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023
Read on for those pearls of wisdom—and where to find the wear-with-anything neutrals that feel so appealing right now.
—Alex Badia, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2023
As for choosing a color for your bedroom makeover, popular options include a calming shade of blue, green and purple, simple neutrals like beige and moody hues like dark green or matte black.
—Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2023
There are 14 hues to sift through (including neutrals like white, gray, and beige and more vibrant options like purple, orange, and turquoise), giving you ample styling options throughout the year.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023
Meanwhile, Hughes has seen a shift toward elevated neutrals.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2023
Choose from 20 different colors ranging from versatile neutrals to bold statement-making colors.
—Rachael Green, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2023
Adjective
The products come in light, dark and neutral colors with choices like white, black, beige, forest green and espresso.
—Kaylee Remington, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2023
The model also kept the rest of her accessories neutral for the same effect, with sunglasses, a bucket hat, and a structured crossbody bag all in black.
—Ana Serrano, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2023
Louisville vs Indiana odds Louisville is a nine-point favorite over Indiana in the neutral site contest, per Circa Sports.
—Alexis Cubit, The Courier-Journal, 11 Sep. 2023
Any nation in Europe that managed to stay independent and neutral throughout the World Wars can tell you that war affects you even if your country isn’t a combatant.
—John Gustavsson, National Review, 10 Sep. 2023
That's in part because, of course, Russia and China are members of the G20, and India is officially neutral on the war.
—CBS News, 10 Sep. 2023
Auburn has a 7-2 record against opponents from the Pac-12 and its ancestral conferences, with three of the games in Auburn, two in bowls, two at neutral sites and one in Birmingham.
—Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 9 Sep. 2023
Travelers have their choice of nine bright or neutral colors to inject some personality into their luggage selection, and the expandable bag is even ideal for known overpackers.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2023
Today, the Reform Club continues to host a lively social community (that is, now, politically neutral), hosting over 100 events a year and functioning as a full-service hotel and restaurant.
—Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 8 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
Middle English neuterall mutually neutralizing, from Medieval Latin *neutralis, back-formation from neutralitas middle ground, from Latin neutralis neuter, from neutr-, neuter
First Known Use
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of neutral was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing neutral
Dictionary Entries Near neutral
Cite this Entry
“Neutral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutral. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
ˈn(y)ü-trəl 
1
: one that is neutral
2
: a neutral color
3
: a state in which transmission gears (as of a motor vehicle) are not in contact so that power from the engine is not passed to the drive shaft
neutral
2 of 2 adjective1
a
: not favoring either side in a quarrel, contest, or war
b
: of or relating to a neutral country
neutral territory
2
a
: having no distinctive characteristics
a neutral personality
b
: not feeling strongly one way or the other
3
: having no color that stands out
4
: neither acid nor basic
5
: not electrically charged
Medical Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
ˈn(y)ü-trəl
: a neutral color
neutral
2 of 2 adjective1
: not decided or pronounced as to characteristics
2
a
: 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
Linus Pauling 4
: not electrically charged
Legal Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
: one that is neutral
specifically
: an impartial person used in alternative dispute resolution to help resolve or to determine the matters in dispute
neutral
2 of 2 adjective
: not engaged on either side
specifically
: not aligned with a political or ideological grouping
neutrally
adverb
neutralness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on neutral
Nglish: Translation of neutral for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of neutral for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutral
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