DULL Synonyms: 694 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dull 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəl

Definition of dull next

as in blunt

lacking sharpness of edge or point the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a dull dance recital that made us wish that we were someplace else

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as in hazy

covered over by clouds dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dulled

lacking a surface luster or gloss a good polish should restore that car's dull finish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in faded

lacking intensity of color that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in soft

not loud in pitch or volume a dull roar from the distance

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as in sleepy

slow to move or act a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season

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dull

2 of 2

verb

as in to blunt

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better

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as in to bleach

to make white or lighter by removing color the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 bedroom is clinically dull with lighting that fits that generic hotel mood. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 Belif Aqua Bomb Cooling Eye Gel The Belif Aqua Bomb Cooling Eye Gel is a lightweight, multi-benefit formula that treats puffy, dull, or otherwise sullen-looking skin beneath the eyes. —

Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026

Verb

Considerations Before Getting Started Protect your table’s shine and clarity by avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing tools that cause tiny scratches, which dull the glass over time. —

Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 Cold water, on the other hand, is said to dull this fire and slow digestion and should be avoided. —

Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

One of the skeletons had blunt force injuries to the skull from a sharp object, but it's not known what weapon could have caused the injuries.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Sahu is blunt about the competitive differentiation.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

Definition of blunt

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dulcifying

dull

dullard

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“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 21 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of dull

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