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
This is a season so overwhelmingly dull that it’s taken three different gay guys to recap it. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026 Iñárritu seems to think this visual alone is funny, but that would require getting past the persistently dull and witless writing. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
Key Takeaways Airborne hydrogen sulfide dulls silver, so many pieces need regular cleaning. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026 Eyesafe technology cuts blue light without dulling the color, which is easier on your eyes during long work days. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • Fringe can be worn in many ways, from short blunt sides to wispy layers.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Her style is pithy and blunt, avoiding the ornate sentence structure of classical German.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite its tranquil reputation, knitting is anything but boring.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
  • On the North Side, a site is being prepped for the digging of an access tunnel 70 feet in diameter into which a giant boring machine will begin tunneling 15 miles under and along our three rivers.
    — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But the movie is a little hazy about what the father may have actually done.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The story takes place during the course of one evening, in a hazy spiritual plane where anguished souls are caught between life and the hereafter.
    — Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The finish is a semi-matte—smooth, satin, and shine-free—that looks looks like velvet on the lips.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • The interior swims in faded blues, mint greens and powdery neutrals with neoclassical moldings, offset by black lacquer, frosted glass, mosaics and polished metal.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The rooms Wonderfully classic, with swagged four-posters in the largest ones, a hefty whack of chintz and faded florals, pleated silk lampshades and open fireplaces.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Wow, the brown Democratic candidate calling the white Republican candidate a dumb immigrant — California politics sure have changed!
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • His current employer is Damien Cantor, an authentically sleazy and slippery character who operates under no discernible code beyond indulging a dumb, preening narcissism.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the company said beer depletions, a measure of sales from distributors to retailers and other customers, declined slightly during the quarter, indicating consumer demand was softer than shipment growth suggests.
    — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Passion fruit seeds are soft and edible, but there are just too many to be enjoyable.
    — Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Hawkeyes were taking on (the) Ohio State University last weekend in the biggest event of the year for sleepy Iowa City, and this New Englander wanted to tailgate at a Big Ten college football game.
    — Carine Hajjar, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • On the afternoon of October 3, a crowd of unhappy protesters gathered along a busy street in the heart of Huntington, New York, a sleepy suburb along the northern coast of Long Island.
    — Adam B. Vary, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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