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
Enter Korean hair vinegar, which has been all over TikTok lately, with videos of dull, frizzy hair turning smooth and shiny after a single wash. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026 Depicting the brutal interrogation of a prisoner in a Stalin-era Russian jail, Confession proves a dull, turgid slog. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
Essentially, the toothpaste gently smooths the area around the scratch, dulling its appearance—much like a gentle polish. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 30 Oct. 2026 How To Avoid Scissor-Dulling Practices Scissors will dull with time, but there are some practices that will speed up the wear and tear. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • The coroner listed his cause of death as multiple blunt-force injuries and his manner of death as an accident.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Newsom’s support for the deal came after Paramount threatened to move operations to Tennessee or Texas, placing more pressure on Bonta to come to an agreement and blunt efforts to lose California’s signature industry.
    — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Harrison’s sociological portrait is attuned to the common idea that disaster can quickly become boring—or all too quickly assimilated and ignored.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026
  • No one is going to notice a boring man in chunky acetate frames.
    — Tyler Watamanuk, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • This view shows the nebula as a brown pillar of dust embedded in a hazy, almost rainbow field of dust and gas.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than drawing a precise border around the lips, the technique involves buffing pigment outward to create a hazy, almost airbrushed effect.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The finish is a semi-matte—smooth, satin, and shine-free—that looks looks like velvet on the lips.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • The offering will be promoted online with shots featuring Klein, both on her own and with Melillo, as well as a video where the longtime friends reminisce barefoot in faded jeans and, of course, white T-shirts.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators described him as a white male in his late 50s, with a scruffy, gray beard who was wearing a faded blue baseball cap.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Then the reviews, of course, completely dismissed me as being like some old dumb blonde thing.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Basically all that's left for the dumb human to do when using the all-new Arrowmax Arrowspace S1 electric smart driver is dropping the bit in the tip and holding the driver steady – the S1 takes care of everything else.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The researchers aim to combine the flexibility of soft robots with the reconfigurability of modular robotic systems.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Every room includes complimentary daily use of a beach chair, soft top surfboard, or boogie board (subject to availability).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Jim Cramer was hoping for one of those sleepy November days where not much happens for the Investing Club's 4th annual meeting.
    — Alexa LoMonaco,Jeff Nash, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Reminiscent of diners and roller skates, this machine is sure to bring a smile to even the sleepiest of mornings.
    — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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