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
Yet Miss Manners sympathizes with you, mainly on the grounds of how deadly dull those conversations must be. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 Dry hair will feel rough and look dull, while damaged hair will feel weak, brittle, and often break. Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 25 July 2026
Verb
In those conditions, the same technology that dulls passive learning can dramatically expand human creativity. Vicki Phillips, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 That doesn’t do anything to dull the impact of Haaland’s collection, though. Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni issued the most blunt criticism of Sanchez, as well as announcing that Italy would enforce air and sea border controls with Spain.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • BookTok’s preferences may skew toward familiar beats and blunt-force sensation, but in Harpman the hive mind has alighted on something more capacious and slippery.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the group offered amazingly little of that over the course of the night, minimizing the bells and whistles during what could be properly dubbed a fairly boring stage show overall.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In valuing and nurturing a sense of life as the adventure of understanding and demonstrating Love’s allness, what might have previously seemed to be a boring gap in activity becomes a spiritually refreshing pause.
    Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the hazy distance, mainland Europe, their ultimate goal, lies across the sea.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Wildfires in Washington and British Columbia, Canada, are also expected to bring hazy skies and unhealthy air quality to the state over the next two days as smoke moves in from the north and temperatures climb toward 100 degrees.
    Amanda Jackson, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 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
  • Today, Tskaltubo's grand architecture stands as a testament to its faded glory—the sweeping arcs, decorative motifs, and faded murals all reminiscent of its once poignant beauty.
    Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • That’s why we are drawn to do some of the dumber stuff when things get to their darkest.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
  • Mandylor is equally hilarious as a dumb thug who is so deserving of becoming shark bait.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • This buttery-soft basic is worth ditching your frumpy tees for.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026
  • It is commonly used in sports medicine, regenerative medicine and wellness settings with the goal of promoting the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX employs about 5,000 people directly in the Brownsville region and has transformed a sleepy border area into an aerospace powerhouse.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This week, kids will learn some new dance moves, maybe even find a new favorite sleepy time song.
    Parents, Parents, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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