1
as in reduces
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the aspirin dulled his headache and he was soon feeling better
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fades
to make white or lighter by removing color
the painting's once-vivid colors have been dulled by time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dulls
The only thing that occasionally dulls his pain is opioid use, as the British prison has a thriving drug-trading industry involving a variety of goods and services.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
This etching makes a countertop easily stain and dulls the surface.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
Unfortunately, jet lag dulls the Bolts’ spark in a close battle that ends in a Fins win.
—Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
The result is a misaligned affordability signal that dulls incentives to adapt and crowds out private innovation.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
This etching makes a countertop easily stain and dulls the surface.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
Unfortunately, jet lag dulls the Bolts’ spark in a close battle that ends in a Fins win.
—Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
The result is a misaligned affordability signal that dulls incentives to adapt and crowds out private innovation.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dulls
Verb
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Encouraging young adults to take on progressively larger responsibilities — whether through part-time work, volunteering or managing household duties — builds competence and reduces fear.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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This reduces the chance that graphic or violent content slips into your feed.—
Annie Margaret,
The Conversation,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As the afterglow of the midyear continental tournaments fades back into seasonal play in global women’s soccer, there’s been a trend of superlative record-breaking, from the youngest professional goal scorers to the most lucrative transfer fees.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
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If an online trend fades or followers are lost, the name tends to lose steam as well.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The lightweight gel-cream sinks in fast, while niacinamide brightens and smooths over time.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Sep. 2025
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Via a cocktail of vitamin C and the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and vitamin E, this Vogue Verified vitamin C serum delivers environmental protection, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens.—
Akili King,
Vogue,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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Monitoring such trends can assist you in leveraging the strength or aid in planning a timely entry if the momentum diminishes.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This special assurance for a specific competitor weakens competition.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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This is seen in conditions such as rickets, which softens and weakens the bones, often seen in children.—
Anthea Levi,
Health,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Luckily for them, the Carolina Panthers have even further to go on defense, which dampens the exciting second half of the season produced by QB Bryce Young and the offense.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
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Persistently high unemployment in California not only strains unemployment insurance and social services but also dampens consumer confidence, posing risks to the stability of the nation's largest state economy.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This discomfort typically peaks within 24 to 48 hours and subsides within three to five days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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These double peaks occur when solar activity spikes, subsides, and then returns a few years later.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dulls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dulls. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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