adj.
Function: verb
1 to make less clear, distinct, or bright FF1C; colors dulled by the sun FF1E;
Synonyms: dim, fade, muddy, pale, tarnish
Related Words: discolor, wash out; blur
Contrasted Words: brighten, freshen, intensify
2
Synonyms: DEADEN 1, benumb, blunt, desensitize, mull, numb
Antonyms: sharpen
3 to deprive of sharpness (as of edge or point) FF1C; dull a spade FF1E;
Synonyms: blunt, disedge, obtund, turn
Idioms: take the edge off
Contrasted Words: edge, hone
Antonyms: sharpen
4 to impair one or more of the senses FF1C; age had dulled his hearing FF1E;
Synonyms: blear, blur, dim
Related Words: debilitate, enfeeble, weaken; darken; retard, slow
Antonyms: sharpen
5 to make slow or obtuse FF1C; his mind had been dulled by drink FF1E;
Synonyms: blunt, hebetate, stupefy
Related Words: becloud, befog, cloud, darken, dim; benumb, deaden, numb; retard, slow
Contrasted Words: quicken, stimulate, whet
Antonyms: sharpen