neutral

noun neu·tral \ ˈnü-trəl , ˈnyü- \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

Examples: neutral in a Sentence

Definition of neutral

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.

See neutral defined for English-language learners

See neutral defined for kids

Examples of neutral in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of neutral from the Web

Though Italian style may bring to mind deep wine shades and rich earth tones, Rizzato encourages the use of neutrals, since pale, creamy hues lend a sense of airy freshness that will make any room look palazzo-worthy.

— lauren hubbard, ELLE Decor, "How to Master a Modern Italian Look at Home," 28 June 2018
After sporting neutrals on her recent public engagements, the Duchess of Sussex surprised us in a blue and white printed dress by Oscar de la Renta for the occasion.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Channeled Princess Diana in Her Printed Blue Dress," 18 June 2018
The key is to stick with colors that are friendly with lots of other hues (the blue and green in this map are practically neutrals in a kid’s room) and a pattern that appeals to more than one age group.

— Sunset, "10 Investment Pieces That Grow from Toddler to Teen," 22 Jan. 2018
Up until now, the Duchess has eschewed whimsical prints and romantic silhouettes in favor of a form-fitting line and a palette of solid neutrals.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Does Luxe Bohemian for the Wedding of Cecilia McCorquodale," 17 June 2018
Her structured and bold, bright silhouettes broke the legacy of neutrals.

— jeneé osterheldt, kansascity, "Superwomen like Kate Spade smile to hide the pain. Time to hang up the cape and live," 5 June 2018
However, stars stuck to the saintly side, keeping references classic and colors a traditional palette of gold, deep burgundy and a range of ethereal neutrals.

— melissa magsaysay, latimes.com, "At the Met Gala, stars show off their saintly side with classic looks. Here are 6 major beauty trends," 8 May 2018
Decorator Melanie Pounds has created a haven of neutrals and smart style that boasts furniture and accessories to instantly elevate any space.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Spruce up for spring at these Birmingham home and garden shops," 11 Apr. 2018
Looks in neutrals, reds and purples brought the drama Sunday on the Oscars carpet, along with a healthy dose of shiny gold, but Nicole Kidman stood out in stunning cobalt blue at Hollywood’s biggest fashion show.

— Washington Post, "Drama in red and neutrals on Oscars red carpet," 4 Mar. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of neutral

see ²neutral

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, transmission

neutral

adjective

Definition of 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) : achromatic

(2) : nearly achromatic

c (1) : neuter 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

—

neutrally

play \ˈnü-trə-lē, ˈnyü-\ adverb

—

neutralness

noun

See neutral defined for English-language learners

Examples of neutral in a Sentence

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 of neutral from the Web

The action, expected Tuesday afternoon, is likely to signal a shift toward advocacy of race-neutral admissions.

— nick anderson, latimes.com, "Trump administration moves to rescind Obama-era guidance on race in college admissions," 3 July 2018
The action, expected Tuesday afternoon, is likely to signal a shift toward advocacy of race-neutral admissions.

— nick anderson, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump administration moves to rescind Obama-era guidance on race in admissions," 3 July 2018
One unresolved problem, Hedgerow’s gender-neutral casting notwithstanding, is a strain of misogyny in the original source material.

— julia m. klein, Philly.com, "'His Girl Friday' at Hedgerow: Fast talk, fast pace," 2 July 2018
If kids of both genders will visit, choose gender-neutral colors, and avoid pink and purple.

— marni jameson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Designing a dreamy guest room for kids," 29 June 2018
The goal of that resolution was for the city government, not the city overall, to become carbon-neutral.

— steve harrison, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte City Council approves sweeping pledge to lower carbon emissions," 25 June 2018
Under Kering, Puma had reversed steep losses and is now targeting currency-neutral sales growth of about 10% a year over the next four years.

— sara germano, WSJ, "Puma Gives Basketball Another Shot," 21 June 2018
The company has implemented changes to its production lines aimed at improving ergonomics of its work environment and promoting age-neutral language in the workplace.

— mark miller, The Christian Science Monitor, "With aging populations, companies rethink opportunities for older workers," 21 June 2018
Lyft recently announced a multimillion-dollar investment to become a completely carbon-neutral transportation service.

— andrew j. hawkins, The Verge, "Uber will start paying some drivers to switch to electric cars," 19 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of neutral

Middle English neuterall mutually neutralizing, from Medieval Latin *neutralis, back-formation from neutralitas middle ground, from Latin neutralis neuter, from neutr-, neuter

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

neutral Synonyms

Phrases

on the fence;

Other Color Terms

argentine, cerise, cerulean, cyan, ocher, perse, puce, taupe, vermilion

NEUTRAL Defined for English Language Learners

neutral

noun

Definition of neutral for English Language Learners

: 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

Definition of neutral for English Language Learners

: 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.

NEUTRAL Defined for Kids

neutral

noun neu·tral \ ˈnü-trəl , ˈnyü- \

Definition of neutral for Students

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

Definition of neutral for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

neutral

noun neu·tral \ ˈn(y)ü-trəl \

medical Definition of neutral

: a neutral color

neutral

adjective

medical Definition of neutral

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

Law Dictionary

neutral

noun neu·tral

legal Definition of neutral

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