neutral

adjective

Definition of neutralnext
1
as in independent
not favoring or joined to either side in a quarrel, contest, or war Sweden remained neutral during World War II, refusing to join either side in the conflict

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities the hero is the novel's only fully fleshed person, all the others being rather neutral characters who are just there to advance the plot

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 neutral Dusty rose, lavender, sage or terracotta are incredibly flattering and can read as a neutral; otherwise go bold with bright pink or turquoise—two trending hues for the season. — Laurence Goldberg, Vogue, 17 July 2026 The 2023 Freemark Abbey Viognier is 100 percent Viognier fermented in 70 percent stainless steel and 30 percent neutral French oak barrels for five months. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 July 2026 Neutral Tank Tops As mentioned, my mom frequently travels with neutral tops to go with everything from bold pants to a flowy maxi skirt. — Erin Cavoto, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026 Many of the decades-long rules — which include maintaining a certain body shape and having neutral and natural makeup — have stayed the same under the DCC’s current director Kelli Finglass’ tenure. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for neutral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neutral
  1. independent
  2. boring
  3. autonomous
  4. beige
  5. impartial
  6. noncommittal
  7. nonpartisan
  8. featureless
Adjective
  • The ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, is staffed by medical professionals who maintain detailed records viewed as generally reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • The election in the 25th Congressional District, which runs along the Atlantic coast from Delray Beach to Miami Beach, is seen by all major independent congressional election analysts as a toss-up that could go either way.
    — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
Definition of independent
Adjective
  • The couple just stole $10 million — a theft consequential enough to set the entire story in motion, yet also too boring to depict outside a brief flashback?
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
  • The boring games are usually like watching paint dry and their very dedicated fans are only there for the massive parties.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Since the brand expanded and opened operations in the city this year, autonomous all-electric Waymos have taken over Miami’s streets.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Questions over whether autonomous vehicles and weapons are handy supplemental tools or disruptive innovations are in keeping with a long-running debate over what constitutes a revolution in military affairs.
    — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
Definition of autonomous
Adjective
  • Comedian Ben Marshall sports a beige look at the screening of Netflix’s 72 Hours at The Plaza Hotel on July 20 in New York City.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Jalen Brunson kept his game-day look classic in a white t-shirt, beige pants, and sneakers, while Ali Brunson amped up the casual dress code in a white tank, Louis Vuitton jeans, and heels.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 20 July 2026
Definition of beige
Adjective
  • Argentina followers found the more official watch party at Centennial Park too um … impartial … for their tastes and moved their festivities a few blocks east.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • The agency’s swift judgement on the incidents prompted calls for impartial investigations from local officials and a flurry of protests.
    — Annette Choi, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of impartial
Adjective
  • Sometimes this little burst of movement triggers noncommittal fish.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
  • But Mayor Robert Harrington was noncommittal on Charlotte’s next steps and whether the city will change its position on the controversial project.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of noncommittal
Adjective
  • Over roughly four years, enrollment in the Medicaid category that includes people with disabilities fell by 10% in the state, according to the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, which provides nonpartisan analysis to lawmakers.
    — Rachana Pradhan, NPR, 20 July 2026
  • All three nonpartisan ratings, Cook, Inside Elections and Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, rate it as a toss-up.
    — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026
Definition of nonpartisan
Adjective
  • Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was largely featureless and smooth.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 2 July 2026
  • The pieces are abstract but appear to show featureless human figures sitting atop globular, cloud-like shapes that float in the air.
    — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Definition of featureless

Browse Nearby Words

neuters
neutral
neutralism
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Cite this Entry

“Neutral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neutral. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neutral

Nglish: Translation of neutral for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutral

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