Definition of dullnext
1
2
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

3
4
5
6
as in dumb
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

7
8

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
Whites appear dingy, colors become muted, and items overall look dull. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 Ethylene speeds up the spoilage of this produce and can cause these fruits and veggies to go dull and yellow, wilt, soften, and become bitter. Molly Burford, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Lastly, to dull the war-mongering vigor of the Rivermen, Ormund installs small, scared little boys, ripped from their homes, all along the chemin de ronde — a baby human shield for Ser Daeron the Daring’s great army. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 Decades of scrolling have dulled our senses somewhat; this is inevitable. Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull
Adjective
  • The veteran broadcaster, who revolutionized radio with his blunt conversations and is well-regarded for his in-depth celebrity interviews with A-list stars, first made the jump to SiriusXM in 2006.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Round or blunt toes were better suited to long days working the ranch.
    Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, Hank hurts lots of people in this action-comedy that doesn’t prove boring for a second but has trouble managing its disparate tones.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ma brings a happy zeal — and an artist’s eye for detail — to creating a sense of wonder, fantasy and futuristic freedom in a world limited by boring, rational constraints.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Its beers such as Easy Eddy, a hazy India pale ale, have won awards.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Some cleaners can also dull floors or leave a hazy residue on the surface.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The team behind this research studied 14 candidates for faded or remnant radio galaxies found in a region of the sky over Earth, studied intensely by the XMM-Newton X-ray spacecraft, called the XMM–Newton Large-Scale Structure (XMM–LSS) field.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • How to Deadhead Coneflowers Deadheading coneflowers is as simple as removing the faded flower heads.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • America’s Semiquincentennial was celebrated across the country this summer with big, dumb, gluttonous fun.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the attention on Cunningham’s comments, the contrived outrage over a fictional trans athlete draft and dumb stunts by former NBA players may have helped drive more folks toward watching the league’s games.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And if your eyes are your favorite feature, play them up with sculptural lashes, a soft smoky eye, or a simple wash of cool-toned eye shadow.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The extra-wide band smooths back and sides with a buttery soft fabric for no-chafing comfort.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The kids were tucked in by his side, still sleepy from staying up the night before watching TV.
    Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Bonds are the sleepy corner of the markets, with yields typically moving a few hundredths of a percentage point.
    Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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