OBTUSE Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obtuse

adjective

äb-ˈtüs

Definition of obtuse next

as in blunt

lacking sharpness of edge or point obtuse scissors designed so that young users will not cut themselves

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as in stupid

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

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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

Examples of obtuse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Initially, Kevin is earnest and amusingly obtuse while botching take after take of a pre-fight promo and fumbling through a date with his soon-to-be wife (Lily James, charmingly plucky). —

Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 19 Dec. 2023 Israelis are divided about how to respond to the government's obtuse lack of compassion and inadequacy. —

TIME, 12 Oct. 2023 Like Brooke, Garner has an ear for the voice of mass condemnation—man-on-the-street hot takes, steaming with obtuse inference; gloating, fear, pride. —

Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023 Advertisement Issues: Anger, anxiety, insomnia Root cause: Rachel is abruptly touched by an obtuse ob-gyn at the hospital shortly before the birth of her first child. —

Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for obtuse

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obtuse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Obtuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtuse. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

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