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dull

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of dull

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 lacking sharpness of edge or point

the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

dullish

rounded,
smooth

Near Antonyms for dull

ultrasharp

Antonyms for dull

2 causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest

a dull dance recital that made us wish that we were someplace else

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

longsome

palling

Near Antonyms for dull

suspenseful

Antonyms for dull

3 covered over by clouds

dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

sunless

Near Antonyms for dull

Antonyms for dull

clear,
cloudless

4 lacking a surface luster or gloss

a good polish should restore that car's dull finish

Synonyms for dull

dim,
dulled,
flat,
lusterless,
matte
(also mat or matt)

Words Related to dull

gray
(also grey),
leaden,
pale,
palish

Near Antonyms for dull

satin,
satiny

silken,
silky

slick,
slippery

Antonyms for dull

5 lacking intensity of color

that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

dim,
faint

dirty,
muddy

Near Antonyms for dull

Antonyms for dull

6 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 for dull

Words Related to dull

Near Antonyms for dull

Antonyms for dull

7 not loud in pitch or volume

a dull roar from the distance

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

Near Antonyms for dull

Antonyms for dull

8 slow to move or act

a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

dead

dopey
(also dopy),
drugged

catatonic,
comatose

Near Antonyms for dull

Antonyms for dull

active

dull

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of dull (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

abate,
moderate

Near Antonyms for dull

Antonyms for dull

sharpen,
whet

2 to make white or lighter by removing color

the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time

Synonyms for dull

Words Related to dull

brighten,
lighten

dim,
mat
(also matte or matt)

etiolate

whitewash

frost,
silver

Near Antonyms for dull

blacken

Antonyms for dull

Frequently Asked Questions About dull

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