Synonyms of dulls

dulls

verb

present tense third-person singular of dull

1

as in reduces

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduces
• numbs
• deadens
• diminishes
• weakens
• blunts
• dampens
• subsides
• damps
• decreases
• benumbs
• subdues
• eases
• cauterizes
• alleviates
• lessens
• muffles
• tones (down)
• lowers
• wanes
• mutes
• lightens
• recedes
• debilitates
• dwindles
• enfeebles
• tapers (off)
• moderates
• lets up (on)
• abates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sharpens
• enhances
• intensifies
• strengthens
• augments
• heightens
• deepens
• stimulates
• amplifies
• whets
• magnifies
• consolidates
• boosts
• arouses
• steps up
• animates
• redoubles
• beefs (up)

2

as in fades

to make white or lighter by removing color

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fades
• bleaches
• brightens
• whitens
• pales
• blanches
• lightens
• snows
• dims
• decolorizes
• blenches
• washes out
• mats
• frosts
• whitewashes
• etiolates
• silvers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deepens
• darkens
• blackens
• tarnishes
• discolors
• patterns
• stripes
• shades
• streaks
• paints
• spots
• mottles
• flecks
• dapples
• colors
• shines
• tinges
• specks
• daubs
• pigments
• speckles
• dyes
• tints
• stains
• embrowns
• marbles
• burnishes
• checkers
• polishes
• blotches
• splotches
• tinctures
• variegates
• striates
• polychromes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dulls

Monét sings prettily on both duets, but their conventionality dulls her shine. — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026

Key Takeaways Airborne hydrogen sulfide dulls silver, so many pieces need regular cleaning. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

Oversaturating floors can result in mold or mildew growth, lifting, warping, or swelling, while the soap can also leave behind a residue that dulls the finish, creating a cloudy or streaky appearance. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

But Aroonpheng’s worldbuilding is arcane to a fault, with no thanks to a weirdly flat rhythm that dulls the excitement of the film’s many narrative swerves. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Over time, these harsh or oily formulas leave behind residue that dulls the shine and attracts dirt, making your floors look cloudy instead of clean. — Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026

Perhaps the palm-tree mural emphasizes the open windowlessness of the subterranean, or the flat color dulls exertion. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

Your taste buds change at altitude Cabin pressure dulls your ability to taste salt by up to 30%, which is why airline food can taste bland and, well, terrible. — Cindy Dees, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

The 22-year-old was long considered ill-suited for grass, given how the surface dulls the athletic foundation of her game and rushes her forehand. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026