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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 dulls
None of that dulls the original game, nor its portrayal of Alma.
—
Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Its influence ricocheted through decades of homages, from Madonna to Ryan Gosling, proof that a perfect jewel-box tableau never dulls.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
The result can be a culture that restores its edge daily, rather than one that dulls until a major transformation is forced.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Using too much detergent can lead to residue buildup in the towel fibers, which traps dirt and dulls the white color over time.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
The only thing that occasionally dulls his pain is opioid use, as the British prison has a thriving drug-trading industry involving a variety of goods and services.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Unfortunately, jet lag dulls the Bolts’ spark in a close battle that ends in a Fins win.
—Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
The result is a misaligned affordability signal that dulls incentives to adapt and crowds out private innovation.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Its influence ricocheted through decades of homages, from Madonna to Ryan Gosling, proof that a perfect jewel-box tableau never dulls.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
The result can be a culture that restores its edge daily, rather than one that dulls until a major transformation is forced.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Using too much detergent can lead to residue buildup in the towel fibers, which traps dirt and dulls the white color over time.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
The only thing that occasionally dulls his pain is opioid use, as the British prison has a thriving drug-trading industry involving a variety of goods and services.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Unfortunately, jet lag dulls the Bolts’ spark in a close battle that ends in a Fins win.
—Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
The result is a misaligned affordability signal that dulls incentives to adapt and crowds out private innovation.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dulls
Verb
-
According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Cold water reduces those problems for all your clothes and linens, giving them a longer lifespan.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Along with being functional, these bowls offer a modern look with an embossed texture surrounding the exterior and gradient color scheme that fades from the smallest bowl to the largest.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But once the novelty fades, no one will care how a video was made.—
Victor Riparbelli,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His owner, Hannah Gleason from Oklahoma, told Newsweek that the merle gene isn’t a coloring gene rather than a gene that bleaches the fur and causes lack of pigmentation which can lead to birth defects, blindness, deafness, or sometimes all three.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Adding whole lemons slices to a classic midnight pasta brightens the dish, giving it a juicy tang to all the salty, savory flavors in the pan.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
Denver Post,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Ylang-ylang delivers antioxidant-rich radiance, while pure niacinamide brightens and refines texture.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Oct. 2025
-
At the risk of over-generalizing, as the protein content of a drink rises, its deliciousness diminishes.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Without light and air, the grass weakens and dies instead of going into winter dormancy.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
For many shrubs, pruning in the fall weakens the plant by spurring tender new growth that is vulnerable to coming frosts.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While the group cheers and parties at a bar, a news report on the TV dampens the mood.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Luckily for them, the Carolina Panthers have even further to go on defense, which dampens the exciting second half of the season produced by QB Bryce Young and the offense.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dulls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dulls. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share