Synonyms of dulling

dulling 1 of 2

adjective

as in deadening

Related Words

• deadening
• numbing
• anesthetic
• settling
• analgesic
• benumbing
• calming
• restful
• soothing
• relaxing
• comforting
• anesthetizing
• stupefying
• quieting
• hypnotizing
• lulling
• sedative
• tranquilizing
• pacifying
• hypnotic
• depressant
• mesmerizing
• opiate
• narcotic
• soporific
• relaxant
• drowsy
• slumberous
• somnolent
• sleepy
• somniferous

Dissimilar Words

• stimulant
• stimulating
• waking
• arousing
• energizing
• refreshing
• rousing
• reviving
• bracing
• awakening
• invigorating
• stimulative
• stimulatory
• restorative
• wakening

dulling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of dull

1

as in reducing

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reducing
• blunting
• deadening
• diminishing
• weakening
• numbing
• dampening
• subsiding
• decreasing
• damping
• benumbing
• cauterizing
• easing
• subduing
• alleviating
• lessening
• muffling
• muting
• debilitating
• lowering
• waning
• receding
• dwindling
• lightening
• tapering (off)
• enfeebling
• moderating
• toning (down)
• letting up (on)
• abating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sharpening
• enhancing
• deepening
• strengthening
• intensifying
• augmenting
• consolidating
• heightening
• amplifying
• boosting
• magnifying
• whetting
• stimulating
• stepping up
• arousing
• redoubling
• animating
• beefing (up)

2

as in bleaching

to make white or lighter by removing color

the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bleaching
• fading
• brightening
• whitening
• blanching
• decolorizing
• paling
• snowing
• dimming
• lightening
• blenching
• washing out
• matting
• frosting
• whitewashing
• silvering
• etiolating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deepening
• darkening
• blackening
• tarnishing
• streaking
• shading
• discoloring
• spotting
• dappling
• blotching
• mottling
• flecking
• striping
• speckling
• daubing
• staining
• dyeing
• patterning
• tingeing
• shining
• specking
• polishing
• tinting
• painting
• marbling
• checkering
• variegating
• coloring
• burnishing
• embrowning
• splotching
• pigmenting
• striating
• polychroming
• tincturing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dulling

Verb

Your diplomatic touch can set kind boundaries without dulling your warmth. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Blurring bamboo silk powders keep shine in check without dulling skin, while camellia seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E help mature complexions look smooth, hydrated, and naturally luminous. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026

The danger is heavy-handed protections for Eskom will suppress wholesale prices, dulling market signals investors need for further investment in the sector, and effectively rebranding the old monopoly. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 15 June 2026

At some point, the bracket creep is going to overreach into the point of diminishing marginal returns — dulling regular seasons and perhaps ultimately even eventually interest in the postseasons. — Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026

Glycolic acid removes dead, dulling surface cells to reveal more radiant skin and help vitamin C penetrate skin more effectively. — ABC News, 19 May 2026

The al fresco dining area is covered with beige tents, dulling the landscape. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 1 May 2026

At Source puts seven years of joint practice and mutual magnetism to tape without dulling the dynamic buzz of their live sets. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026

Also, don't store beans or ground coffee in the refrigerator—the coffee may absorb moisture and odors, dulling its flavor. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026