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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

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 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 There would be no obtuse angles; the idea was to maintain a feeling of innocence, like that of a child opening a toy for the first time. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 The Monkey is a source of constant obtuse dialogue and characters that exist only for the cheapest comic relief. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obtuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obtuse
Adjective
  • Isaac Leal, 17, died on Monday, June 2, from a blunt force injury to the head, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
  • His autopsy revealed his head had blunt force trauma.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.
    Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 31 May 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
  • Despite the retirement of highly successful Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, the transition to Vulcan has been slow and continues to impact the completion of Space Force mission objectives.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • Still, even if the growth is slower than in some North American leagues, European teams continue to appreciate.
    Justin Teitelbaum, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Serving clients around the globe, ACE operates with a simple but powerful mission: to help individuals and companies navigate aircraft transactions with confidence, clarity, and efficiency.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its thick plastic outer casing is impervious to flex.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
  • Conversely, smog, cloud cover, and thicker ozone layers limit the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin.6 Locations further from the equator at higher altitudes experience less sunlight in the winter and more in the summer.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Editor’s picks The world itself is lively, if not exactly dense.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
  • In Puerto Rico earlier in the week, the cloud was dense and caused hazy skies, according to the National Weather Service in San Juan.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Simone, still at the hospital, remains blissfully ignorant of Kiki’s vengeful turn.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Conservative media, once a proud home to voices like Charles Krauthammer, Jonah Goldberg, and Bill Kristol, now platforms ignorant Trump sycophants who have no use for conservative principles — or principles of any kind.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obtuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obtuse. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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