DULL Synonyms: 694 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

dull 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəl

Definition of dull next

as in blunt

lacking sharpness of edge or point the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a dull dance recital that made us wish that we were someplace else

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as in hazy

covered over by clouds dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach

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as in dulled

lacking a surface luster or gloss a good polish should restore that car's dull finish

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as in faded

lacking intensity of color that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time

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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

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as in soft

not loud in pitch or volume a dull roar from the distance

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as in sleepy

slow to move or act a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season

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dull

2 of 2

verb

as in to blunt

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better

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as in to bleach

to make white or lighter by removing color the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time

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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

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

That distinction falls to Becky Shaw (Madeline Brewer), an office worker whom Max is set up with by Suzanna and her sweet but dull husband Andrew (Patrick Ball, radiating kindness). —

Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026 Well, seven of those would have made for a very dull World Series. —

Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026

Verb

And even supporters of the systems say searchers can become dulled by a multitude of false alarms and miss the few actual weapons. —

CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 That all unfortunately overshadows the palpable affection Gosling and Emma Stone have in their second of three movie romances, and even Gosling’s playboy charisma gets dulled a bit. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

The medical examiner ruled Mitchell's death a homicide from blunt force trauma, according to prosecutors.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Some are preaching nirvana or being blunt about impending job loss while appearing to be oblivious to the fact that most people don’t want a world without work.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of blunt

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dulcifying

dull

dullard

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“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of dull

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