dull

adjective

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\ ˈdəl

Definition of dull

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : tedious, uninteresting dull lectures

2 : lacking sharpness of edge or point a dull knife

3a : not resonant or ringing a dull booming sound

b : lacking in force, intensity, or sharpness a dull ache

4 : lacking brilliance or luster a dull finish

5 : cloudy dull weather

6 of a color : low in saturation (see saturation sense 4a) and low in lightness a dull green

7 : mentally slow : stupid

8a : slow in perception or sensibility : insensible somewhat dull of hearing dull to what went on about her— Willa Cather

b : lacking zest (see zest sense 2) or vivacity : listless a dull performance

9 : slow in action : sluggish dull markets

dull

verb

dulled; dulling; dulls

Definition of dull (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to make dull dull a knife's edge

intransitive verb

: to become dull The blade dulled with use.

Other Words from dull Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing dull Learn More About dull

Other Words from dull

Adjective

dullness or less commonly dulness \ ˈdəl-nəs

\ noun

dully \ ˈdə(l)-lē

\ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for dull

Synonyms: Adjective

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Verb

sharpen,
whet

Choose the Right Synonym for dull

Adjective

dull, blunt, obtuse mean not sharp, keen, or acute. dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency. a dull pain a dull mind blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception. a person of blunt sensibility obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination. too obtuse to take the hint

synonyms see in addition stupid

Examples of dull in a Sentence

Adjective the dull roar of the crowd the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it Verb Fog dulled the morning sunlight. Special earplugs dulled the sound of the chain saw. His hair dulled as he aged. The dog's eyes dulled as he got sick. She takes medicine to dull the pain. Fear dulled his need for adventure. The knife was dulled from use. The blade should be replaced as soon as it dulls. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective David Cameron got a million for a book that was dull. — William Booth, Washington Post, 9 July 2022 Prior to this era, artists palettes were dull and dominated by cream, yellow, brown and deep reds. — Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 23 June 2022 The bamboo extract works as an astringent and can be helpful if your skin is dull. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 May 2022 The physical world of atoms, on the other hand, is dull. — Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 2 May 2022 But readers of celebrity gossip have always had to differentiate between merely entertaining rumors and those that could spiral into harm (while sifting out the ones that are simply dull). — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2021 Tarte's Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer adds warmth and livens up a dull complexion, and the durable formula is made to last through sticky weather conditions. — Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 30 June 2022 These sorts of waffling, dull sessions are typical following big moves. — Jon Markman, Forbes, 28 June 2022 The GIs washed the vehicles and equipment so Pasley and Stidham could paint them a dull green, covering the familiar desert tan. — Sig Christenson, San Antonio Express-News, 10 June 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The pain suffered by the Suns and their fans in the humiliating Game 7 loss to the Mavericks might eventually dull. — Kent Somers, The Arizona Republic, 17 May 2022 Repetitive self-help themes can dull the senses, however. — Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2022 But by week two or three, the luster on these items may be starting to dull, thanks to little fingers, water spots, grease splatters and just plain old wear and tear. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, 29 June 2022 Resist the temptation of turning to drinking, drugs, overeating and other bad habits to dull the pain. — Jack Kelly, Forbes, 26 June 2022 Like knives, the blade will dull over time; unlike knives, sharpening isn’t an option. — Bon Appétit, 23 May 2022 Its knobbier tires may dull its ultimate dynamic performance a bit, but the wide-ranging enhancements made to the entire Grand Cherokee lineup ensure that its on-road manners and general civility are thoroughly agreeable. — Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 9 May 2022 Bask in the glow because, as San Diego so painfully knows, seasons can dull in an instant. — Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2022 Smith said access was a prime reason why marginalized groups would seek to dull the pressures of the world through alcohol. — John-john Williams Iv, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dull.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.