dull

1 of 2

adjective

ˈdəl

Synonyms of dull next

: tedious, uninteresting

dull lectures

: lacking sharpness of edge or point

a dull knife

: not resonant or ringing

a dull booming sound

: lacking in force, intensity, or sharpness

a dull ache

: lacking brilliance or luster

a dull finish

: cloudy

dull weather

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

a dull green

: mentally slow : stupid

: slow in perception or sensibility : insensible

somewhat dull of hearing

dull to what went on about her—

Willa Cather

: lacking zest (see zest sense 2) or vivacity : listless

a dull performance

: slow in action : sluggish

dull markets

dullness noun

or less commonly dulness

ˈdəl-nəs

dully

ˈdə(l)-lē

adverb

dull

2 of 2

verb

dulled; dulling; dulls

transitive verb

: to make dull

dull a knife's edge

intransitive verb

: to become dull

The blade dulled with use.

Choose the Right Synonym for dull

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

Example Sentences

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

The study said that consuming alcohol helps dull feelings of isolation and provides an escape from people’s awareness of loneliness. —

Rachel Shin, Fortune, 13 June 2023 But that platitudinous jumble seems like an afterthought, an attempt to add thematic complexity to an American crime footnote rendered perplexingly dull. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 June 2023 Special to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The South Milwaukee gardens of Paul Berens and T.J. Kester were once a dull sea of grass accented with lots of red lava rock. —

Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 9 June 2023 Asner’s time in office was not a dull one — he was criticized for his liberal politics, particularly for his criticism of then-President Reagan — but involved a consistent message of enfranchisement. —

Mary Mcnamara, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2023 The genesis of skin smoothies came from TikTok beauty creator Amy K who claims the combination of petroleum jelly, moisturizing lotion, an illuminating serum, and a dab of self-tanning lotion can do wonders for dull, dry skin. —

Julia Ries, Health, 6 June 2023 Youth To The People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant $57 at Amazon Credit: amazon.com A gentle combination of mandelic and salicylic acids come together to rid the pores of dirt and buildup while removing dull cells from the surface of the skin. —

Erin Warwood, Women's Health, 6 June 2023 Most importantly, perhaps: The show — which has always been so propulsive, so stylishly driven — discovers that its central question has always been a dull one. —

Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 29 May 2023 And yet there was still a sense of uncertainty, a dull rumble of fear, that things were not yet settled. —

Rory Smith, New York Times, 28 May 2023

Verb

Cool to the touch and consistently breathable Nice sheet fit with smooth-gliding zippered pillowcases Cons Shine dulled slightly in the wash Quince is known for offering high-quality natural textiles at fair prices. —

Theresa Holland, Peoplemag, 14 June 2023 So, definitely lots of words have to get changed, and then behaviors and concepts get dulled down. —

Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 June 2023 Plus, all three healthy macronutrients found in this tree nut—fat, complex carbohydrate in the way of fiber, and protein—work to slow down digestion, dulling the blood sugar response. —

Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2023 Warm and flaky baklava, revani, tulumba, and Turkish delight will dull even the sharpest of sweet teeth. —

Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2023 That third distillation refines the finished product without dulling it down. —

Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2023 Meals containing all three macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) will help dull your cravings for sugar. —

Christine Byrne, Health, 11 Apr. 2023 Bluing works by adding a hint of blue pigment to your clothes, bringing back the original brightness that was once there but had dulled due to dirt or fading. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2023 And its potency, though dulled, has not been dispelled. —

Luke Money, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dull.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.