1
as in matte
lacking a surface luster or gloss
it might be best to paint the exposed pipes with a dulled enamel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faded
lacking intensity of color
the dulled colors and brownish tones are characteristic of this painter's works
Synonyms & Similar Words
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3
as in blunted
lacking sharpness of edge or point
the dulled blade of a knife that had been stored in a drawer full of miscellaneous utensils
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in reduced
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bleached
to make white or lighter by removing color
the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dulled
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
In recent years, however, his Midas touch on the charts has dulled slightly, and his last two sets — 2023’s – (Minus) and 2024’s Autumn Variations — missed the top spot, while failing to generate the long-lasting hit singles his earlier albums had easily spun off.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2025
Syracuse University professor Dimitar Gueorguiev warned that TikTok’s edge has dulled.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
My sleep was fractured, my health declined, my decisions dulled, and my confidence wavered.
—Daisy Auger-Domínguez, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Time hasn’t dulled the impact of the Evija’s design.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Armani beauty’s high-wattage celebrity power has never dulled and spans generations.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
The emotions that drive decisions at the top of the free-agent market — sentimentality, desperation, urgency — are dulled by the organization’s adherence to process.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
In recent years, however, his Midas touch on the charts has dulled slightly, and his last two sets — 2023’s – (Minus) and 2024’s Autumn Variations — missed the top spot, while failing to generate the long-lasting hit singles his earlier albums had easily spun off.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2025
Syracuse University professor Dimitar Gueorguiev warned that TikTok’s edge has dulled.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
My sleep was fractured, my health declined, my decisions dulled, and my confidence wavered.
—Daisy Auger-Domínguez, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Time hasn’t dulled the impact of the Evija’s design.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Armani beauty’s high-wattage celebrity power has never dulled and spans generations.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dulled
Adjective
-
The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Gone are the days of the ultra-matte liquid lipstick.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Her long blond ends drew a stark contrast to her faded brown roots, which were parted down the middle and brushed up in the back.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The faded colors and distressed pattern give the rug an always-been-here feel and lend a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to the space.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An improved ozone layer also has blunted some effects of global warming – including the loss of phytoplankton, which have been reduced because of steps launched by the agreement.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
10 Oct. 2025
-
However, the effects on hiring may be blunted by persistent weakness in the labor market.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Jones found more than 95% of this species bleached in their survey area.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Diesel also showed denim bleached from the inside out, creating an x-ray effect on the garment.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The fruit’s pale, glossy surface already gives it that eerie eyeball effect.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The floors were made of pale gray wood.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
On one occasion, a blunt-nosed viper misjudged the distance to its prey.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
23 Oct. 2025
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Boyle also sported blonde, shoulder length hair that was styled straight with blunt bangs.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who missed four games after his initial six-game suspension was reduced, for placing a bet on a non-NFL game from an NFL facility.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
However, Deadline reported that Grey's Anatomy had reduced the minimum guarantees for series regulars from 18 episodes per season to 14 during its 2024-25 season.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Since its discovery, the comet has brightened in magnitude and is becoming more and more visible.—
Harry Bennett,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Kindling his broad grin and clean laughter brightened even the most discouraging day.—
Jim Moore,
Outdoor Life,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dulled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dulled. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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