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
Months of dust lined the doorjamb, and the dead bolt was dull, but the padlock hanging from it was new. Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 Schrader explains that common flooring materials like laminate, vinyl, and hardwood can dull and warp from hot water. Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
Lastly, to dull the war-mongering vigor of the Rivermen, Ormund installs small, scared little boys, ripped from their homes, all along the chemin de ronde — a baby human shield for Ser Daeron the Daring’s great army. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 Decades of scrolling have dulled our senses somewhat; this is inevitable. Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • There is no way to simulate it, and the report is blunt about why.
    Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As smartphones rolled, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms confronted Republican Rick Jackson outside the National Business League event with a blunt message.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When talking about the Gerhardt brothers, Hudson, a quarterback, and Bailen, a receiver, first-year Village Christian coach Rand Holdren says there’s never a boring moment when the two are together.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Everton have finished 13th, in the boring but comfortable reassurance of mid-table, in each of the past two seasons.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ivan’s room feels practically airless, his face obscured in shadows, or captured in hazy side profiles, as Anica’s bright, concerned gaze holds the frame’s focus.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The cutter has been great for the supinating Cavalli, but the benefit of a new pitch is hazier with some of the small sample guys.
    Eno Sarris, New York Times, 20 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
  • The team behind this research studied 14 candidates for faded or remnant radio galaxies found in a region of the sky over Earth, studied intensely by the XMM-Newton X-ray spacecraft, called the XMM–Newton Large-Scale Structure (XMM–LSS) field.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • How to Deadhead Coneflowers Deadheading coneflowers is as simple as removing the faded flower heads.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • America’s Semiquincentennial was celebrated across the country this summer with big, dumb, gluttonous fun.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the attention on Cunningham’s comments, the contrived outrage over a fictional trans athlete draft and dumb stunts by former NBA players may have helped drive more folks toward watching the league’s games.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Offer a realistic time, suggest a softer plan, and let honesty keep the connection easy.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There has always been something compelling about Paul Baker, something about the interplay between his frat-star good looks and Canadian soft-boy heart.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • No one predicted the sleepy backwater of Sassnitz would be rebranded ‘Crashnitz’ or ‘Smashnitz’ by the end of the first edition of the German Sail Grand Prix last year.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • During an allegedly sleepy period on the NBA schedule, the Lakers shook everyone awake with a blaring alarm.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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