Definition of dullnext
1
2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a dull dance recital that made us wish that we were someplace else

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
6
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily the importance of the discovery was lost on the dull minds of his colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

7
8

dull

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dull differ from other similar words?

The words blunt and obtuse are common synonyms of dull. While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain
a dull mind

When can blunt be used instead of dull?

Although the words blunt and dull have much in common, blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

When is it sensible to use obtuse instead of dull?

The meanings of obtuse and dull largely overlap; however, obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

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 dull
Adjective
The same minerals spotting your glasses and scaling your faucets could also be the reason your shampoo barely lathers or your hair has been feeling dull and stiff lately. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 But even some of them might balk at its callow psychology and interminably dull plotting that no amount of gratuitous, unengaging violence or nudity can overcome. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The sparkle in her eyes had dulled and her smile seemed forced. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed with PEOPLE that Dwabe died of blunt force trauma, and his death was ruled an accident.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
  • That joke, which McNamara hits with a palpable sparkle of smugness, illustrates how deliciously blunt her comedic sensibility is.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As a matter of fact, this will probably be one of the more boring editions of this column.
    — Gary Davenport, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Alice’s viewpoint is boring, and anyone who agonizes about it forever will never get to the interesting parts.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That entails having reachable but firm and clear expectations that both students and teachers can strive towards, not hazy objectives.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Ride Lonesome is amorphous, hazy, dappled, and almost impossibly pretty.
    — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026
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
Adjective
  • The quasi-patriotic palette got contemporary edge from faded lines running through the red and dark navy stripes, which shifted between vertical and horizontal directions.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Choose between four wearable shades—a dark indigo, a medium-light blue, a super faded light wash, and black.
    — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Here, in this image of an ingenious skidding kitten—in both its brutality and its beautiful, dumb, playful resilience—lies the wisdom of Marcon’s art.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Paris Baguette serves sweet and savory pastries, wraps, breakfast sandwiches and cakes, including chocolate hazelnut with Nutella, a chocolate mousse, salted caramel layer cake, a blueberry chiffon cake and a strawberry soft cream cake.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For those not quite ready to descend immediately into oxbloods, blacks, and vampy winter tones, taupe offers a softer way in.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Talbots is on the move again after years of being among the sleepier brands in retail.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Long Beach Island offers sandy Atlantic beaches, sleepy residential enclaves, family-friendly attractions, and classic seafood spots without heading out East.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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