blunt
0 antonyms and opposites of blunt, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Not sharp; having a thick edge or point.
How to use blunt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English blunt, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old Norse blunda ("to doze").
Full origin of blunt →Frequently asked questions
What does “blunt” mean?
The word “blunt” means not sharp; having a thick edge or point. In plain terms, not sharp — physically, or in speech (meaning direct and to the point).
How do you pronounce “blunt”?
“Blunt” is pronounced bluhnt (/blʌnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “blunt” in a sentence?
Here is “blunt” used in a sentence: “The knife was too blunt to cut the bread.”
What is another word for “blunt”?
Words with a similar meaning to “blunt” include blunten.
What part of speech is “blunt”?
Depending on how it is used, “blunt” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blunt” come from?
The word “blunt” comes from Middle English. From Middle English blunt, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old Norse blunda ("to doze").
Is “blunt” a common word?
“Blunt” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “blunt” have?
“Blunt” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not sharp; having a thick edge or point.
What is the difference between "blunt" and "dull"?
Both can describe an edge or point that is not sharp. "Blunt" often suggests a thick or rounded edge, while "dull" emphasizes a loss of the sharpness something once had. Of the two, only "blunt" also commonly describes a person who is direct and plain-spoken.
What is the difference between being "blunt" and being "rude"?
Being blunt means speaking in a direct, plain way without softening the message, which is not always meant to hurt. Being rude means being deliberately impolite or disrespectful. Bluntness can come across as rude, but it is often intended simply as honesty.
Is calling someone "blunt" an insult or a compliment?
It depends on context. "Blunt" describes someone who is direct and plain-spoken, which can be praised as honest and clear, or criticized as tactless when it tips into rudeness. Tone and situation decide how it is taken.
What is the opposite of "blunt"?
For the "not sharp" meaning, the opposite is "sharp" or "pointed." For the "plain-spoken" meaning, opposites include "tactful," "diplomatic," and "subtle."