dull 1 of 3

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 stupid
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 3

verb

dullness

3 of 3

noun

variants also dulness

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
Slim Flip Flop in Happy Thoughts Print (Women’s $50) Top Flip Flop in Ribbon Rosa (Women’s $50) Summer isn’t the time for boring silhouettes and dull colors. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 17 June 2025 Indie Games Stole the Show at Summer Game Fest 2025 Hacking and shooting would quickly grow dull if there weren't enough gameplay variety. Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
Verb
Even so, that dimmer wattage does little to dull a film that plays like cine-karaoke — and as any mic fiend can attest, the glory in those moments belongs not to the singer, but the song. Ben Croll, IndieWire, 13 May 2025 These results suggest that the brain regions associated with cognitive control and emotion are deeply involved in mediating our political intensity, with injuries that dull our cognitive control increasing our intensity and injuries that dull our emotions doing the opposite. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • The post came just hours after the singer shared an image of what appeared to be his hand holding a burning blunt, as well as what appeared to be a back and forth with what appeared to be a now-former friend.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 June 2025
  • Prosecutors say Scott’s daughter was found lifeless and had suffered multiple blunt force injuries.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Corner infielders Carlos Santana (1B, CLE): The definition of boring and solid.
    Owen Poindexter, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • Much happens in the sixth episode, but most of it is pretty boring like the rest of this season.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The legal basis for Trump’s continued extensions is hazy at best.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 18 June 2025
  • The band’s digital residency, ABBA Voyage, even inspired her outfits on the Short n’ Sweet tour, particularly the hazy light-blue costume that Agnetha Fältskog wears.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • This Lulus bag is primarily matte and clean, with just a tinge of silver on the top handle and cutesy bow.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • To get this result, Dempsey recommends the Dior Addict Lip Tint for its transfer-proof, semi-matte finish.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Select a faded flower and follow the stem down, cutting it 12 inches or more below the bloom, deep into the plant to encourage more long stems.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2025
  • Some geckos have higher contrast in their coloring, while others appear more faded.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Scroll to shop the best bond-building products for every texture—stronger and softer hair ahead!
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • Pottery Barn Airy Cotton Duvet Cover Crafted from 100 percent cotton, this 200-thread count duvet cover is breathable, low-maintenance, soft, and suitable for year-round use.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The final picture is a solo shot of Ocean Rain, sleepy and sweetly tucked into a coral blanket embroidered with her name.
    Clea Haran, Parents, 23 June 2025
  • By the end of that summer, the sleepy months had become prime box-office real estate.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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