1
as in numbed
lacking in sensation or feeling
I've been sitting in the same position for too long and now my feet are numb
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blank
not expressing any emotion
apparently in shock, he answered the police officer's questions with a numb expression on his face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion
years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
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 numb
Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
As the president delivered the White House briefing, Jackson’s right arm started getting numb.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Topical Anti-Itch Treatments Over-the-counter ointments and creams contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or a numbing medicine.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from what brings you joy.
—Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
As the president delivered the White House briefing, Jackson’s right arm started getting numb.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
Some talked of using drugs and alcohol to numb themselves and contemplating or attempting suicide.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Topical Anti-Itch Treatments Over-the-counter ointments and creams contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or a numbing medicine.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
-
Above her headboard, a small square painting floats on a blank wall like a postage stamp, recalling a cross above the bed.—
Keith Flanagan,
Architectural Digest,
11 Sep. 2025
-
In 2022 and 2024, there were similar blank stretches, but both seasons ended with major wallops to Florida — Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
His sibling, Jem (Sean Bean), has traveled to the small shed that his stoic, hermit-like brother calls home.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
10 Sep. 2025
-
He was introduced as the silent, stoic bodyguard for MJF, a role that eventually led to one of the most celebrated babyface turns in the company's history.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In parts of Southeast Asia, totality will begin as the full moon rises, dulling the effect.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Even when the Dodgers find a glimmer, it has been dulled rather quickly.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Downstairs, at the other end of the house, the kids were asleep in their beds, and Lacey was all the way across town in the hospital with their new brother.—
T. Coraghessan Boyle,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
-
While most people are fast asleep, one mother is already up and about—and her unusual morning schedule has gone viral on Instagram.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But the White House should not settle for empty promises and construction photo-ops.—
Joel Thayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Jîna’s parents, Mojgan Eftekhari and Amjad Amini, sat beside her empty grave.—
Fatemeh Jamalpour,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The airport in Cap-Haïtien was calm and orderly, the streets were alive with daily commerce and children in bright yellow uniforms played together during recess.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the decent people who are likely to pay attention to calls for calm and cool aren’t the ones raising the temperature anyway.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The researchers believe that the benefit likely comes from aspirin acting in several ways – by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet function and tumor growth.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In 2016, court filings indicate Gamez Lira was charged with possession of marijuana but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after the charges were reduced.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The alligators of Arctic Canada lay motionless in the swamps to wait out months of polar night, as dawn redwoods filtered the starlight.—
Peter Brannen,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
-
After sustaining the impact, Walker remained face down on the field, lying motionless.—
Lauren Merola,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share