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
The same minerals spotting your glasses and scaling your faucets could also be the reason your shampoo barely lathers or your hair has been feeling dull and stiff lately. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 But even some of them might balk at its callow psychology and interminably dull plotting that no amount of gratuitous, unengaging violence or nudity can overcome. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The sparkle in her eyes had dulled and her smile seemed forced. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • Snyder litters his film with blunt butterfly symbolism to the point where someone could make a drinking game out of their recurring appearances that would end in alcohol poisoning.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Journe explains the decision in his characteristically blunt style.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As a matter of fact, this will probably be one of the more boring editions of this column.
    Gary Davenport, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Alice’s viewpoint is boring, and anyone who agonizes about it forever will never get to the interesting parts.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Mercury opposes hazy Neptune, making expectations unclear and interruptions harder to manage.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
  • The moody music, polygonal characters that feel almost hieroglyphic, and text presented in a mix of English, ancient languages, and invented languages make for a hazy experience.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 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
  • The quasi-patriotic palette got contemporary edge from faded lines running through the red and dark navy stripes, which shifted between vertical and horizontal directions.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Choose between four wearable shades—a dark indigo, a medium-light blue, a super faded light wash, and black.
    Jordan Julian, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • There’s an incident at a gun range where Ned’s fear of looking emasculated requires his army vet girlfriend to fall for his very dumb, very obvious lies.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Bronwyn’s mother, Muzzy, who was lambasted all of last season for being cold and arguably cruel to her daughter, is notably softer in her first scene back — though the bob is as cunty as ever.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • During our time there, we were treated to a three-course chef’s tasting menu that was a paean to the summer; think a profusion of tomatoes, stone fruit, local soft cheeses, and edible flowers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Talbots is on the move again after years of being among the sleepier brands in retail.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Long Beach Island offers sandy Atlantic beaches, sleepy residential enclaves, family-friendly attractions, and classic seafood spots without heading out East.
    Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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