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
Later, a sweet but dull local guy, Carson (Jack Mulhern), wants to get back in but doesn’t have the cash to fill his envelope. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026 It’s guaranteed to leave a smooth, humidity-resistant finish that holds up on muggy days and adds a ton of shine to dull and overworked strands. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
Detergent, minerals, and everyday grime can cling to the fibers, creating a film that dulls their appearance. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • Swift pulled her dark blonde hair back into an effortless updo, showing off a pair of gold earrings and her blunt bangs.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The volunteers wore moulage makeup that resembled blunt-force injuries, and each of them had a script to follow.
    — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Virtually all those trips involved hassle that was a bore to write about and just as boring to read.
    — Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Arizona Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks 31-7 in a disappointing and boring game.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the show became a cultural juggernaut, some criticized its vigilante justice and the hazy line between law enforcement and journalism.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Libra Sun opposes Neptune across your career and home zones, making ambition look especially attractive while the personal cost remains hazy.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 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
  • This embroidered quilt is the epitome of fall style with its warm background and mix of leaves in faded brown and golden hues.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • We’ll always be thought of as too conservative, too dumb, too reactionary, too violent by too many.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • In keeping with the brand’s spirit of generosity, the initial stock of Bali gin and Scotch whisky, beer, soft beverages such as jamu, and locally made artisanal snacks such as Krakakoa Chocolate is gratis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Roses and a soft orange nod to the way light catches on its facades.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Illustration by Patricia Bolaños In sleepy South Slope, a local son in search of a beer bar walked past a familiar, long-shuttered laundromat.
    — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Carlotta and Dedo have to do everything in their power to prove her innocence and avoid losing her again, with their investigation taking them to the heart of their sleepy suburban town, Sundersheim.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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