neutral
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for neutral, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war.
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.
Antonyms
How to use neutral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stay neutral
neutral colors
neutral gear
neutral pH
Etymology
From Middle French neutral, from Latin neutralis, itself built from neuter plus -alis.
Full origin of neutral →Frequently asked questions
What does “neutral” mean?
The word “neutral” means not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war. In plain terms, not favoring any side, having no strong quality, or (in a car) the gear that disengages the engine from the wheels.
How do you pronounce “neutral”?
“Neutral” is pronounced NYOO-truhl (/ˈnuː.tɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “neutral” in a sentence?
Here is “neutral” used in a sentence: “Switzerland remained neutral throughout much of the war.”
What part of speech is “neutral”?
Depending on how it is used, “neutral” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “neutral” come from?
The word “neutral” comes from Latin. From Middle French neutral, from Latin neutralis, itself built from neuter plus -alis.
Is “neutral” a common word?
“Neutral” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “neutral” have?
“Neutral” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war.
What is the difference between "neutral" and "impartial"?
Both involve not taking sides, but neutral often means staying out of a conflict entirely, while impartial means judging fairly without favoritism. A referee is impartial, whereas a neutral country stays out of a war altogether.
