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
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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

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
The figure is shockingly poised, as if this were just another dull Tuesday. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026 Overripe pomegranates may have soft, dull-colored skin with brown spots. Merve Ceylan, Health, 15 July 2026
Verb
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 Supergirl’s grief sends her binge drinking across the galaxy to dull the pain of losing Krypton. David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • But their blunt ends, which did not release upon impact, were even more deadly.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Cecchetto died two days later from blunt force facial trauma.
    Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • The couple just stole $10 million — a theft consequential enough to set the entire story in motion, yet also too boring to depict outside a brief flashback?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
  • The boring games are usually like watching paint dry and their very dedicated fans are only there for the massive parties.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • Then we’re yanked into Louis’s hazy POV, from which Armand is reading another one of his apology letters.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Under a red condition, the sky can look hazy and smoky, visibility drops and the air may smell like smoke.
    Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 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
  • Still crazy enough to do something dumb, but mature enough to curb your impulses.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • Instead of the Tech Right making the conservative movement smarter, the conservative movement seemed to be making the Tech Right dumber.
    Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Smaller nonprofit efforts — often faith-based — can also offer a soft landing place, but few exist.
    Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Most accounts read Qatar's rise as gas turned into money, turned into visibility, a soft-power story with expensive props.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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