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
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

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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
The early universe was a pretty dull place in terms of chemistry. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 2026 One thing that certainly wasn’t dull, though, was the vintage Rolex Jay-Z wore at New York New Jersey Stadium. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 July 2026
Verb
That doesn’t do anything to dull the impact of Haaland’s collection, though. Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • But critics say the changes aim to solve problems that either don’t exist or don’t require such a blunt-force tool.
    Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • The autopsy report determined that both young women died from multiple sharp force injuries, with additional contributors to Kaylee’s death including blunt force injuries of the head and asphyxial injuries.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone looking to change their old, boring, heavy bag routine should consider a boxing reflex ball.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
  • Peace lily The peace lily may be one of the most common flowering houseplants around, but this tranquil botanical with tropical origins is anything but boring.
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • In my experience, lobster seems to pair best with the sweeter notes of hazy IPAs, though prawns and octopus are good matches for those beers, too.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
  • The Chiefs could choose to test Mahomes with snaps in the preseason, but that part remains hazy, as well.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 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
  • Some 17-year-olds are awkward, gangly teens who tend to do or say dumb things.
    Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
  • Vance appears to be performing a smart person’s idea of a dumb person.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Countless insects and other invertebrates Also not surprising is that the Okefenokee, being a swamp, is home to thousands of invertebrate species — butterflies, moths, bees, dragonflies, beetles, spiders and other soft-bodied creatures.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Pinch-runner Jesus Rodriguez began the 10th at second base and advanced to third on Arraez’s soft single to left.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • But only a few days ago, this sleepy community was struck by tragedy when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old father and Colombian national.
    Carine Hajjar, Washington Post, 21 July 2026
  • The formerly sleepy economies of suburban Austin, Texas and Syracuse, NY are getting two new semiconductor chip plants.
    Adrian Ma, NPR, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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