1
: one that is neutral
The two countries were neutrals while their neighbors were at war.
2
: a neutral color
She painted the room in neutrals.
3
: a position of disengagement (as of gears)
He put the car in neutral.
1
: not engaged on either side
specifically
: not aligned with a political or ideological grouping
a neutral nation
2
: of or relating to a neutral state or power
neutral territory
3
a
: not decided or pronounced as to characteristics : indifferent
b(1)
(2)
: nearly achromatic
c(1)
(2)
: lacking stamens or pistils
d
: neither acid nor basic
e
: not electrically charged
4
: produced with the tongue in the position it has when at rest
the neutral vowels of \ə-ˈbəv\ above
neutralness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of neutral in a Sentence
Noun
He put the car in neutral.
Their sister remained a neutral in the dispute.
The two countries were neutrals while their neighbors were at war.
Adjective
He remained neutral while his brothers argued.
She tries to be a fair and neutral journalist.
The battle took place in neutral waters.
The duel will be held on neutral ground.
The report was written in neutral language.
“Why did you do that?” he asked in a neutral tone of voice.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2024
When your wardrobe is full of neutrals, adding a pop of color via your footwear is a fun way to switch things up without veering too far out of your comfort zone.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Nov. 2024
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag More than 20,400 shoppers have given the best-selling Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, which comes in 20 vibrant and neutral colors, a five-star stamp of approval — and for good reason.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutral 
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Noun
This quarter zip comes in a variety of neutrals and would make a great pillow for a little baby head, while still looking put together.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2024
When your wardrobe is full of neutrals, adding a pop of color via your footwear is a fun way to switch things up without veering too far out of your comfort zone.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024
Adjective
However, the pattern is expected to be short-lived, with conditions transitioning back to neutral by February.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Nov. 2024
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag More than 20,400 shoppers have given the best-selling Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, which comes in 20 vibrant and neutral colors, a five-star stamp of approval — and for good reason.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for neutral
Dictionary Entries Near neutral
Cite this Entry
“Neutral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutral. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
ˈn(y)ü-trəl 
1
: one that is neutral
2
: a neutral color
3
: a state in which transmission gears (as of a motor vehicle) are not in contact so that power from the engine is not passed to the drive shaft
neutral
2 of 2 adjective1
a
: not favoring either side in a quarrel, contest, or war
b
: of or relating to a neutral country
neutral territory
2
a
: having no distinctive characteristics
a neutral personality
b
: not feeling strongly one way or the other
3
: having no color that stands out
4
: neither acid nor basic
5
: not electrically charged
Medical Definition
neutral
1 of 2 noun
neu·tral
ˈn(y)ü-trəl
: a neutral color
neutral
2 of 2 adjective1
: not decided or pronounced as to characteristics
2
a
: totally lacking in saturation : achromatic
b
: not decided in color : nearly achromatic : of low saturation
3
: neither acid nor basic : neither acid nor alkaline
specifically
: having a pH value of 7.0
a neutral solution contains both hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions at the same concentration 1.00×10−7 —Linus Pauling
Linus Pauling 4
: not electrically charged
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