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

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5
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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

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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
To a bee, a pure red flower will appear gray or black—quite dull compared to more brilliant flowers in the garden. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 Putting diseased plant material in your compost pile and using unclean or dull pruning tools also increases the risk of transmitting issues from plant to plant. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
Verb
Ampere’s research appeared to suggest that the influx of romance book adaptations and romance drama in general has dulled the appetite for reality shows about love. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Supergirl’s grief sends her binge drinking across the galaxy to dull the pain of losing Krypton. David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • In the photo, Hargitay leaned out of a car window, showing off a tousled blunt bob with golden ends, styled in a deep side part.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Gupta considers the blanket rent freeze a blunt tool that doesn't adequately address the affordability crisis.
    James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The main goal of the Cliq earplugs design is to be a stylish alternative to a usually boring piece of gear.
    Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Part ravioli, part lasagna, this one-skillet supper will save you from a boring Wednesday dinner.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, the iconic band of hazy light known as the galactic center should routinely be visible for a few more months across the United States – and the rest of the northern hemisphere – arcing across the night sky.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Go for the bold, unique brews, like the Blizzard of ’67 (named after an infamous winter storm), a hazy triple IPA with orange, pineapple, and mango notes.
    Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 1 July 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
  • Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The State’s humor is an interesting mixture of extremely dumb and self-aware.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 July 2026
  • Mayhem comes to a coastal New England town in the form of a killer shark who hunts anybody dumb enough to get in the water.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • For decades, the Mexican government has tried building bridges, a soft-power initiative known as acercamiento — or coming together — with its rising global diaspora.
    Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Rather than using her robust vocals, Jihyo wanted to complement Shenseea’s, opting for a softer, more soulful tone.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • His long white oval scleras and perfect-circle black pupils, sometimes open and sometimes closed, are always inexplicably expressive—managing to seem happy, sad, scared, sleepy, shifty, angry, eager, alarmed, mischievous, or murderous.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 7 July 2026
  • Hualde says that some Pamplona residents rue his early promotion of the festival due to the ills of overtourism the sleepy provincial city is now experiencing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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