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
Simple also never means dull, a problem Danforth sees with one famous Kansas City cuisine. Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Summer, though, can be a foe of glass hair hopefuls—the combination of sun, salt, chlorine, and humidity all contribute to hair becoming drier and frizzier, a concoction for dull, lackluster lengths. Selvaggia Germani, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
Note that the texture may be slightly less crisp, and the flavor a little dulled once soft spots begin to develop. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 Imagine trying to swallow a sip of water while your face feels stuffed with congestion, your sense of taste is dulled and your body is floating 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth. Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • Prosecutors said Thursday that investigators encountered evidence of a violent physical struggle inside the home and that preliminary evidence indicated both victims suffered blunt-force trauma.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • As to whether a renovation like the one proposed at 705 Woodruff Place was in alignment with the city’s UDO, Peugh was blunt.
    Diamy Wang August 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Wild West was even then a myth receding into a hazy, heroic past.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • No rain is in the forecast Monday to cool us off, and a plume of Saharan dust will keep things hazy and dry.
    Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 17 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
  • Meanwhile, the Remarkably Bright Creatures star, 33, embraced a warmer approach, with off-white jeans and a faded blue shirt under a dark blue chore jacket.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Inside the homes, sunlight falls on faded posters, worn furniture, and an old radio by a window.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The friends aren’t dumb; they’ve just been baked for so long that acting dumb is a habit.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps in writing it, Salinger was trying to negotiate whether his remarkable survival through some of the war’s worst gauntlets could be chalked up to dumb luck, or divine intervention.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Quilt sets are oversized, reversible and buttery soft, made from the same smart fabric as the favorite sheets with a 100% inner cotton lining, recently named a Good Housekeeping favorite.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Expect a calm palette of neutrals and soft blues, metallic accents, and plenty of natural light, with views either west toward the mountains and desert or north up the Strip.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In a sleepy bay in Anguilla, the ship’s marina comes down, affording an opportunity to play with the water toys and swim to an inflatable trampoline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • And then, slowly and all at once, battle is upon this once sleepy market town.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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