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dull 1 of 2

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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

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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

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dull

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dull differ from other similar words?

The words blunt and obtuse are common synonyms of dull. While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain
a dull mind

When can blunt be used instead of dull?

Although the words blunt and dull have much in common, blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

When is it sensible to use obtuse instead of dull?

The meanings of obtuse and dull largely overlap; however, obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

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
Over time, excessive stimulation can lead to dysregulation of the reward system, making routine activities feel dull in comparison. Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 In the kitchen, replace your dull knives with this 14-piece knife set, and don’t forget to stay hydrated with a Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
An over-reliance on biography can dull a music doc, turning it into a paint-by-numbers enterprise, but just the right amount can bolster it. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025 However, during the total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, the full moon’s light will be dulled and then almost extinguished for the 65 minutes of totality. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • They were forced to their knees and guards shaved their heads and faces with blunt swoops of an electric razor.
    Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • While metal grooming tools can seem intense, they are typically designed with blunt or curved teeth to ensure that no sharp edge ever comes in contact with your cat’s skin.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Transform boring tasks into challenges with stakes, rewards, and achievements.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Broberg’s heartbreaking overtime winner Some overtimes are boring, with teams methodically regrouping.
    Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There are so many moments of hazy slow-motion, of dramatic music, the constant shallow depth-of-field camera work.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The recent Hubble image, which was shared online on March 17, also captures a nebula that casts a hazy blue-greenish shadow over part of the star cluster.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In one snap, their son, Bronze smiled in the front seat of a mini, matte black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
  • But unlike most matte lip products, this viral formula doesn't feel drying on the lips, courtesy of a whole host of skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, cotton seed oil, green tea oil and mango oil.
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Gap High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans These wide-leg jeans are designed in a light blue wash with whiskered and faded details, and flared, bell-like hems.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • While the original, faded version of the Declaration is housed at the National Archives, the copy in the Oval Office appears to feature clear and legible text.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Amelia soon decides that stupid boys (and humans in general) aren't worth keeping around.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • And in practice, the experience is delightfully stupid.
    Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rande, 62, matched his wife's and daughter's soft elegance by wearing a classic black tux with a white collared shirt and back tie.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Cook until the potatoes are soft in the center when pierced through the foil with a fork, 45–90 minutes.
    Scott Clark, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It is situated next to a sleepy mobile home park, some single-family home neighborhoods and the park.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This delicious sleep aid comes in five different flavors: mint chocolate, hot cocoa, cinnamon chai, sleepy berry and rose.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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