What does "neutral" mean?
A nonaligned state, or a member of such a state.
Neutral
/ˈnjuː.tɹəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A nonaligned state, or a member of such a state.
- Grammar: neutral is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abstract, academic impartiality, academic objectivity, achromatic.
- Useful contrasts: live, academic indoctrination, accusatory.
- Usage evidence: The senator remained neutral in the furious controversy.
How to use "neutral"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "neutral" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "neutral" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "neutral" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "neutral" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "neutral" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abstract" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "neutral", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A nonaligned state, or a member of such a state. countable, uncountable
- 2 one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute wordnet
- 3 A person who takes no side in a dispute. countable, uncountable
"They say in Harlan County There are no neutrals there You'll either be a union man Or a thug for J.H. Blair."
- 4 An individual or entity serving as an arbitrator or adjudicator. countable, uncountable
- 5 A neutral hue. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The position of a set of gears in which power cannot be transmitted to the drive mechanism. uncountable
"Near-synonym: angel gear (humorous)"
- 7 An electrical terminal or conductor which has zero or close to zero voltage with respect to the ground. countable, uncountable
Adjective
- 1 Not taking sides in a conflict such as war; nonaligned.
- 2 Favoring neither the supporting nor opposing viewpoint of a topic of debate; unbiased.
"I am neutral regarding the issue of gay marriage."
- 3 Neither positive nor negative.
- 4 Not biased; viewing situations objectively in a way that is neither positive nor negative.
"a neutral person"
- 5 Neither beneficial nor harmful.
"Some things good, and some things ill, do seem, And neutral some, in her fantastic eye."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 Having no sex; neuter.
- 7 Having no obvious colour; gray.
- 8 Neither positive nor negative; possessing no charge or equivalent positive and negative charge such that there is no imbalance.
- 9 Having a pH of or near 7, neither acidic nor alkaline.
- 10 Of an alcoholic drink, having been fermented and distilled but with no additives.
- 11 Having an alignment that is situated between two notable possibilities, such as between good and evil, or between chaotic and lawful.
Adjective
- 1 having no net electric charge wordnet
- 2 having no hue wordnet
- 3 lacking distinguishing quality or characteristics wordnet
- 4 not supporting or favoring either side in a war, dispute, or contest wordnet
- 5 having no personal preference wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 possessing no distinctive quality or characteristics wordnet
- 7 having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemically inactive wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The senator remained neutral in the furious controversy."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "neutral"?
Common synonyms include: abstract, academic impartiality, academic objectivity, achromatic, achromatic, achromatic.
How do you use "neutral" in a sentence?
The senator remained neutral in the furious controversy.
How do you pronounce "neutral"?
Pronounced /ˈnjuː.tɹəl/.
Etymology
From Middle French neutral (compare modern French neutre), from Latin neutrālis. By surface analysis, neuter + -al.