neutral

noun

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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 Phrases Containing neutral Learn More About neutral

Synonyms & Antonyms for neutral

Synonyms: Adjective

nonpartisan

Antonyms: Adjective

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Although this neutral is more timeless than trendy, designers say white bedrooms are experiencing a resurgence. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2022 The key is to treat pink almost like a neutral that can be paired with anything. — Todd Plummer, WSJ, 24 Mar. 2022 Another key neutral in the block heel boot department is brown, from deep, chocolate tones to tawny and cinnamon shades. — Laura Lajiness, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2021 Instead of a somber neutral, your biker might be lavender or lime, persimmon or pale pink—maybe even striped, or daubed with graffitiing, in an explosion of high-low exuberance. — Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2021 The stock saw a sudden surge in mid-September after Bank of America’s analyst upped their recommendation on the stock to buy from the previous neutral. — Trefis Team, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2021 The team’s run game was stuck in neutral and took a back seat to the passing game the past two seasons. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Aug. 2021 With an influx of animal prints on the runways, fashion has officially deemed animal print not a fashion risk but a versatile neutral. — Sara Holzman, Marie Claire, 4 Aug. 2021 For co-founder Libby Glazer, the brand decided on a true neutral, the shade of your favourite iced chai latte. — Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 29 July 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective In other words, originalism is not neutral and never has been. — Fabio Bertoni, The New Yorker, 13 May 2022 The former country has been neutral for eight decades, having chosen after two World War II-era Soviet invasions to sit out the subsequent Cold War. — David Meyer, Fortune, 12 May 2022 Finland has traditionally been militarily neutral and enjoyed good relations with Moscow — but the war in Ukraine has led the country to rethink its security and self-determinism. — Patrick Smith, NBC News, 12 May 2022 The company is also environmentally friendly, and all delivery packaging is entirely carbon neutral. — Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 May 2022 But this behavior was politically neutral, with no understanding of content seen or posted. — Filippo Menczer, The Conversation, 9 May 2022 Matching the adorable theme of the photo, her nails are also neutral, but gorgeous. — Addison Aloian, Allure, 6 May 2022 And to the south is the Republic of Ireland, which was neutral during the Cold War and which doesn’t belong to NATO. — Michael Peck, Forbes, 3 May 2022 Campaign committees are supposed to be neutral in party primaries. — Daniel Strauss, The New Republic, 2 May 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About neutral

Dictionary Entries Near neutral

neutercane

neutral

neutral axis

Statistics for neutral

Last Updated

9 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Neutral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutral. Accessed 21 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for neutral

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

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

neutral

adjective

Legal Definition of neutral (Entry 2 of 2)

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