1
as in blunt
lacking sharpness of edge or point
the dull knife just bounced off the skin of the tomato without cutting it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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3
as in hazy
covered over by clouds
dull skies plagued most of our vacation days at the beach
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4
as in matte
lacking a surface luster or gloss
a good polish should restore that car's dull finish
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5
as in faded
lacking intensity of color
that canvas shirt should fade to an attractive, dull red over time
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6
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
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7
as in soft
not loud in pitch or volume
a dull roar from the distance
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8
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
a dull market for luxury goods this holiday season
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1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dull
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
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
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
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Honesty without emotional attunement can become a weapon in relationships, with truth being used as blunt force, not a bridge for connection.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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What to watch: In Europe and Canada — two of America's largest trading partners — officials have been blunt about the realities of a global system where the United States is less prominent.—
Axios,
Axios,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Anything that isn’t someone bleeding out is boring to them, that kind of thing.—
Maria Fontoura,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2025
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But here, it’s all viewed through a workplace-comedy format, which captures the kind of boring ordinariness of typical medical care while also getting at some of the big frustrations of understaffing.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Japanese photographer has produced a series of hazy images that play with perspective and reflections to showcase multiple angles of the women’s collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, which is set to be unveiled on April 15 in the garden of Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
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Even sketchier are characters like Isaac and Hanrahan, ruthless military types who never really transcend that hazy description despite being played by formidable actors Jeffrey Wright and Alanna Ubach, respectively.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Notably, a very faded painting of the crucifixion scene with Jesus on the cross was also uncovered, the image of his crown of thorns sticking out from an orange and yellow backdrop.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Amelia soon decides that stupid boys (and humans in general) aren't worth keeping around.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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And in practice, the experience is delightfully stupid.—
Luke Winkie,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Dull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dull. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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