dull
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dull, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Boring; lacking interest or excitement.
Synonyms
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.
How to use dull
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English dol, "foolish, stupid" — related to German toll ("crazy, wild") and ultimately from a root meaning "to dim or make obscure."
Full origin of dull →Frequently asked questions
What does “dull” mean?
The word “dull” means boring; lacking interest or excitement. In plain terms, lacking sharpness, shine, excitement, or quickness of mind — covers blades, colors, personalities, and pain alike.
How do you pronounce “dull”?
“Dull” is pronounced duhl (/dʌl/ in IPA).
How do you use “dull” in a sentence?
Here is “dull” used in a sentence: “The lecture was so dull that half the class fell asleep.”
What is another word for “dull”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dull” include dullen.
What part of speech is “dull”?
Depending on how it is used, “dull” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “dull” come from?
The word “dull” comes from Old English. From Old English dol, "foolish, stupid" — related to German toll ("crazy, wild") and ultimately from a root meaning "to dim or make obscure.".
Is “dull” a common word?
“Dull” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dull” have?
“Dull” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: boring; lacking interest or excitement.
What is the difference between 'dull' and 'boring'?
Both can describe something that lacks interest or excitement, and in that sense they overlap. 'Dull' is slightly milder and can also mean lacking brightness or sharpness, while 'boring' refers only to a lack of interest. A dull knife or a dull colour makes sense, but a 'boring knife' does not.
What is the difference between 'dull' and 'blunt'?
When describing a blade, 'dull' and 'blunt' both mean not sharp and unable to cut easily. 'Blunt' is the more common word for this in British English, while 'dull' is often preferred in American English. 'Dull' also carries several other meanings that 'blunt' does not.
What is the opposite of 'dull'?
The opposite of 'dull' depends on the meaning. For something boring, the opposite is 'interesting' or 'exciting'; for a blade, it is 'sharp'; for a colour or surface, it is 'bright' or 'vivid'; and for a slow-witted person, it is 'sharp' or 'quick'.
Can 'dull' describe the weather?
Yes. 'Dull' is commonly used to describe grey, overcast weather that lacks brightness, as in 'a dull, cloudy day'. This draws on the sense of dull meaning lacking shine or vividness.