neutral

1 of 2

noun

neu·​tral ˈnü-trəl How to pronounce neutral (audio)
ˈnyü-
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

2 of 2

adjective

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
(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
neutrally adverb
neutralness noun

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
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 See More

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

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.

Kids Definition

neutral

1 of 2 noun
neu·​tral ˈn(y)ü-trəl How to pronounce neutral (audio)
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 adjective
1
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
neutrally adverb

Medical Definition

neutral

1 of 2 noun
neu·​tral ˈn(y)ü-trəl How to pronounce neutral (audio)
: a neutral color

neutral

2 of 2 adjective
1
: 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
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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