as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the mushy music blunted the effect of the movie's final tragic scene
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of blunting
Greg Jaffe and Kate Kelly Politicians and officials in Mexico are using the country’s laws to intimidate critics and the media, forcing them into censorship and blunting scrutiny.
—
Kate Kelly Vincent Alban Paulina Villegas Kurt Streeter,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
The body adapts to the daily dose, blunting caffeine’s impact on blood pressure, mental alertness and exercise performance.
—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Quality drops around menstruation as estrogen and progesterone fall, blunting melatonin and cortisol rhythms.
—
Allison Palmer
updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Simple steps like version pinning or requiring a cool-down period before new library releases are available to developers can go a very long way toward blunting the supply chain attacks that are about to become far more common.
—
Philip Martin,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
South Africa’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three years, in effect blunting a $1 billion fuel relief package designed to soften the blow of surging oil prices.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
But Ukraine claims that a new generation of interceptors is blunting the impact of Russian attacks on its cities.
—
Sebastian Shukla,
CNN Money,
23 May 2026
In certain people, the submandibular glands—as well as the adjacent fat pockets and digastric muscles (which aid in swallowing, chewing, and speech)—can give a look of fullness, blunting the border between the face and neck.
—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Even some small relief at the pump could give Trump the chance to claim credit for acting aggressively to lower prices —potentially blunting a key Democratic argument against him.
—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 May 2026
Kate Kelly Vincent Alban Paulina Villegas Kurt Streeter,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
The body adapts to the daily dose, blunting caffeine’s impact on blood pressure, mental alertness and exercise performance.
—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Quality drops around menstruation as estrogen and progesterone fall, blunting melatonin and cortisol rhythms.
—
Allison Palmer
updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Simple steps like version pinning or requiring a cool-down period before new library releases are available to developers can go a very long way toward blunting the supply chain attacks that are about to become far more common.
—
Philip Martin,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
South Africa’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three years, in effect blunting a $1 billion fuel relief package designed to soften the blow of surging oil prices.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
But Ukraine claims that a new generation of interceptors is blunting the impact of Russian attacks on its cities.
—
Sebastian Shukla,
CNN Money,
23 May 2026
In certain people, the submandibular glands—as well as the adjacent fat pockets and digastric muscles (which aid in swallowing, chewing, and speech)—can give a look of fullness, blunting the border between the face and neck.
—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Even some small relief at the pump could give Trump the chance to claim credit for acting aggressively to lower prices —potentially blunting a key Democratic argument against him.
—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunting
Verb
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This lifts the hull out of the water, reducing hydrodynamic drag and minimizing wake generation.
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On Tuesday, Uzbekistan was soundly thrashed by Portugal 5-0 — significantly reducing the country's chances to qualify for the next round of play in this World Cup, the first ever for a Central Asian nation.
Verb
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Blurring bamboo silk powders keep shine in check without dulling skin, while camellia seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E help mature complexions look smooth, hydrated, and naturally luminous.
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The danger is heavy-handed protections for Eskom will suppress wholesale prices, dulling market signals investors need for further investment in the sector, and effectively rebranding the old monopoly.
Verb
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While professionals still seek performance upgrades, consumers increasingly view MacBooks as durable household appliances, diminishing the traditional annual upgrade cycle.
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While Doral, Sweetwater, Tamiami and other areas near the fires did not see evacuations, officials warned air quality was diminishing due to the smoke, which could have caused health issues for some residents.
Verb
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Negotiating with Iran at the table, in his view, risks strengthening Iran’s role in Lebanon and weakening Lebanon’s own government.
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Several countermeasures aimed at overturning or weakening the billionaire tax have also made the November ballot.
Verb
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Sam Lambert laid down a safety squeeze, deadening the ball in front of the plate and scoring Balls to trim the lead to 3-1.
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Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably.
Verb
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The survey snapped three consecutive months of dampening consumer sentiment, recovering from an all-time low in May, data showed.
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An inner cover allows moisture to condense without dampening the hive, and an outer cover protects the colony from inclement weather.
Cite this Entry
“Blunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunting. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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