dim 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdim How to pronounce dim (audio)
Definition of dimnext
1
as in darkened
being without light or without much light a dim, windowless room in the basement of the house

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2
as in dulled
lacking a surface luster or gloss over time, exposure to ultraviolet light will make bright pigments turn dim

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3
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly have only a dim knowledge of the subject

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4
as in slow
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily our dog is kind of dim, but very sweet-natured

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dim

2 of 2

verb

as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct the storm clouds dimmed our view of the city from the airplane

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dim
Adjective
Topline If predictions come true, June 25 could see a dim star in the night sky suddenly brighten in a once-every-80-years event. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 In addition to standard video with sound or silent, in-camera slow motion, the Luna Ultra includes Pure Video, which tunes settings for dim light. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 23 June 2026
Verb
White light ranges from a warm 2700K through to a cool 6500K with dimming from 1% to 100%, while RGBIC technology allows multiple colours to appear across the light simultaneously for more dynamic scenes during gaming, movie nights or parties. — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Wynja suggests choosing lights with a manual dimming capability or opting for a smart plug system. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dim
  1. darkened
  2. dull
  3. vague
  4. slow
  5. obscure
  6. dark
  7. matte
  8. faint
Adjective
  • This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • She’s talked up her push to convert darkened streetlights, many of them stripped of their copper wire, to solar power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • Despite Spain’s defensive record and the dull 1-0 win against Portugal last round, the odds still think this game will see more action.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • The result is a post-vacation radiance that’s never streaky, dull, or heavy.
    — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • The section’s vague language and many loopholes could have a chilling effect on any research that studies the effects of a disease, policy or public health intervention on any specific group of people, Rafla-Yuan said.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Trip reports were vague but full of warnings about steep canyon walls and boat-eating holes.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • There was no repeat of the slow start that cost him a spot last season.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • The house old-fashioned can be made with bourbon or gin and is a much slower sip.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of slow
Verb
  • While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • As its name suggests, the product is formulated with skin care superstar retinol to smooth fine lines and crow’s feet and brighten dark circles.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • El Floridita and Sloppy Joe’s, tourist destinations made famous by American novelist Ernest Hemingway, sat dark and shuttered.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Definition of matte
Adjective
  • There was a pungent smell and a faint buzzing sound coming from the bedroom.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Though her father has moved to Savannah in the faint hope of reviving his relationship with her and his grandchildren, Anna has wisely kept her distance from him, given his criminal past and his as-yet-unarticulated failings as a parent.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of faint

Phrases Containing dim

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diluting
dim
dim bulb
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Cite this Entry

“Dim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dim. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dim for Spanish Speakers

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