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as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily forgive me for being obtuse, but I wish you'd explain that to me again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obtuse differ from other similar words?

The words blunt and dull are common synonyms of obtuse. While all three words mean "not sharp, keen, or acute," obtuse implies such bluntness as makes one insensitive in perception or imagination.

too obtuse to take the hint

When might blunt be a better fit than obtuse?

The synonyms blunt and obtuse are sometimes interchangeable, but blunt suggests an inherent lack of sharpness or quickness of feeling or perception.

a person of blunt sensibility

When is it sensible to use dull instead of obtuse?

The words dull and obtuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dull suggests a lack or loss of keenness, zest, or pungency.

a dull pain
a dull mind

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obtuse See the previous discussion of economists, and their horridly obtuse belief that war grows the economy. John Tamny, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The dismissals were compelled by twin obtuse opinions of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) in the Department of Justice issued in 1973 and 2000. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024 Hence the obtuse rabbis, the cowering Uncle Yasha, and, in Aliyah of the 1990s, the naked Russian woman, presumably a prostitute, presenting herself doggy-style. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2024 Monster Hunter Wilds, released in February of this year, is another example of a series that changed its arcade-y spirit for a more photo mode-worthy presentation, while streamlining the obtuse friction that the original games were known for. Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obtuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtuse
Adjective
  • The cause of death was traumatic blunt force injuries.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2025
  • The magnetized tank struck the child, who died of blunt force trauma injuries.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • Mia promises not to ask for help or do anything stupid.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 1 Aug. 2025
  • If the producers manage to create another roof moment, Torin and his stupid little hats are cooked.
    Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Progress toward the opening of the micro-home village has been slow following a ceremonial groundbreaking held in July 2023.
    Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 30 July 2025
  • As elevated mortgage rates continue to put a damper on the housing market locally and nationally, rising inventory, slower sales and lower prices have made for more favorable conditions for potential buyers in the Austin-area housing market.
    Shonda Novak, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • The updates are a stark contrast to the simple designs favored by past presidents like Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Back inside, the primary suite carries on the adobe style with thick, smooth walls and rounded edges.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
  • The three-day Tampa conference was thick with criticism of DOJ and disbelief that the president could have let so many people down.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Towns and counties now have to pick a handful of ways to create denser, cheaper housing and report on their progress every year.
    Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 24 July 2025
  • It’s already been tested out successfully in dense urban areas.
    Heather Farmbrough, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Americans are surprisingly ignorant about our past.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Residents are far from ignorant of Michigan’s law on train blockages.
    Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obtuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtuse. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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