DULL Synonyms: 694 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dull 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəl

Definition of dull

as in blunt

lacking sharpness of edge or point the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a dull dance recital that made us wish that we were someplace else

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as in hazy

covered over by clouds dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach

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as in dulled

lacking a surface luster or gloss a good polish should restore that car's dull finish

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as in faded

lacking intensity of color that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time

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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

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as in soft

not loud in pitch or volume a dull roar from the distance

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as in sleepy

slow to move or act a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season

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dull

2 of 2

verb

as in to blunt

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better

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as in to bleach

to make white or lighter by removing color the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The great speculators became talkative and communicative or dull, sullen, silent, and peevish. — Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Its prebiotics give skin a glowing, youthful-looking complexion, while hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract deliver a burst of hydration to revive dry, dull skin. — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

Verb

Ampere’s research appeared to suggest that the influx of romance book adaptations and romance drama in general has dulled the appetite for reality shows about love. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Instead, the Knights tied it late in regulation before Carolina won in overtime, which blurred the cause-and-effect narrative enough to dull the criticism of Tortorella’s call. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dull

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dull

Adjective

In the photo, Hargitay leaned out of a car window, showing off a tousled blunt bob with golden ends, styled in a deep side part.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Gupta considers the blanket rent freeze a blunt tool that doesn't adequately address the affordability crisis.

— James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

Far fewer people stay responsible when the work turns boring, unclear or inconvenient, and that's precisely when ownership surfaces.

— Somdutta Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Monocultures can be boring, but on the flipside, a huge collection of individual species looks like a busy bowl of potpourri.

— Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026

Definition of boring

Adjective

In fact, the iconic band of hazy light known as the galactic center should routinely be visible for a few more months across the United States – and the rest of the northern hemisphere – arcing across the night sky.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Go for the bold, unique brews, like the Blizzard of ’67 (named after an infamous winter storm), a hazy triple IPA with orange, pineapple, and mango notes.

— Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of hazy

Adjective

Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.

— R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Definition of faded

Adjective

Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
This relaxed pick is incredibly soft, really cute, and surprisingly easy to style.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

Unlike much of the group stage, Sunday’s game was a sloppy, sleepy affair, with South Africa relying on some heroic play from its back line to keep the game even.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
The phone achieved download speeds of 463Mbps and upload speeds of 39Mbps in 5G testing in sleepy suburban areas.

— Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026

Definition of sleepy

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dulcifying

dull

dullard

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Style

“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dull

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verb

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