as in anesthetic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in undermining
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
an excess of detail deadens much of the mystery novel's suspense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
a couple of aspirins deadened the headache
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 deadening
Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 22 Nov. 2024
Her days increasingly consisted of soul-deadening meetings and consultations.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024
Yet by themselves, tools, methods, processes and structures are inert and deadening.
—Steve Denning, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
And the shine from his latest gold medal hasn’t come close to deadening.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deadening
Verb
Philips’ problems first surfaced publicly in June 2021, when the company warned that the noise-deadening foam lining its equipment, mostly CPAP machines, could break apart, sending potentially toxic particles and fumes into users’ throats and lungs.
—Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 22 Nov. 2024
Her days increasingly consisted of soul-deadening meetings and consultations.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024
Yet by themselves, tools, methods, processes and structures are inert and deadening.
—Steve Denning, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
And the shine from his latest gold medal hasn’t come close to deadening.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for deadening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadening
Adjective
-
If monitored anesthesia sedation and local anesthesia are used, anesthetic medication will be used to induce drowsiness.—
Troy Bedinghaus, OD,
Verywell Health,
1 June 2024
-
However, medication involving the anesthetic, ketamine, has shown promise in recent years for treating these hard-to-resolve depressive symptoms.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in how the rule is applied, potentially undermining the fairness of the game.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Critics argue that billionaire owners could censor critical commentary, undermining journalism's role in holding power accountable.—
Flynn Nicholls,
Newsweek,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Device lifecycle management and repair services will become increasingly important, reducing the amount of technology that ends up in landfills.—
Max Silber,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Companies and Customers are Leading As global markets prioritize clean technologies, major corporations are staying the course on their goals for reducing carbon pollution and propelling innovation.—
Mindy Lubber,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The term is an adjective that has also become a noun, describing one of the most common analgesic procedures available in modern medicine.—
Stephen C. George,
Discover Magazine,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The analgesic drugs that are typically prescribed for short-term pain—such as following an injury or surgery—work by either reducing the inflammation that causes pain or changing how the brain perceives pain.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
-
With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
One clip documented the anodyne swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Rachel Levine, an admiral and a transgender woman, as an Assistant Health Secretary in the previous Administration.—
Julian Lucas,
The New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The ferocity of the 4 Nations tourney has turned the concept of a bloodless, anodyne All-Star break on its ear.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Some critics and documentary filmmakers say that mandate is reductive and numbing.—
Michael Powell,
New York Times,
25 Sep. 2022
-
Aside from being scientifically fascinating, the special effect of these peppercorns is also a key component of Sichuan cuisine’s greatest gift to the culinary world, a numbing and spicy flavor profile known as málà.—
Chala Tyson Tshitundu,
Bon Appétit,
29 Sep. 2021
Adjective
-
Over the course of two-and-a-half hours, a caravan of singers, musician and actors — some associated with her, some not necessarily — sang and read Smith’s words, an ongoing testament to the still hypnotic grip of her songs and poems.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
27 Mar. 2025
-
In keeping with the hypnotic, spirited vibe of all Half Magic goodies (the brand is the brainchild of Euphoria head makeup artist Donni Davy, so duh), the Magic Flik Eyeliner breaks the mold with a unique, flexible paddle tip.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deadening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadening. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share