boring
50 synonyms and 9 antonyms for boring, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Causing boredom; dull and uninteresting.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use boring
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "bore" + "-ing."
Full origin of boring →Frequently asked questions
What does “boring” mean?
The word “boring” means causing boredom; dull and uninteresting. In plain terms, dull and uninteresting — or, in engineering, the act of drilling a precise hole.
How do you pronounce “boring”?
“Boring” is pronounced BAW-rihng (/ˈboɹ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “boring” in a sentence?
Here is “boring” used in a sentence: “The documentary turned out to be surprisingly boring.”
What is another word for “boring”?
Words with a similar meaning to “boring” include dull, mind-numbing, tedious, banal, basic and beat.
What part of speech is “boring”?
Depending on how it is used, “boring” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “boring” a common word?
“Boring” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “boring” have?
“Boring” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing boredom; dull and uninteresting.
What is the difference between 'boring' and 'bored'?
'Boring' describes the thing that causes the feeling; 'bored' describes the person who feels it. A lecture can be boring, and that makes you bored. A useful test: -ing adjectives point to the source, -ed adjectives to your reaction. So saying 'I am boring' means you bore others, not that you feel dull.
What is the opposite of boring?
The opposite is something that holds your attention and sparks interest. Common antonyms include interesting, exciting, engaging, fascinating, and stimulating. Where boring makes time drag, its opposites pull you in and make an activity feel lively or worthwhile, whether that is a gripping book, a fun game, or lively company.
Is 'boring' a negative word?
Yes, it is generally negative. Calling something boring criticises it for failing to hold your interest, and calling a person boring can sound quite hurtful. The word signals dullness and lack of appeal, so it is worth using carefully, especially about people, where softer phrasing is usually kinder.