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
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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
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3
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion
years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn
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as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of numb
Michael Harley, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This cohort was numb to the reality that digital addiction was accompanied by anxiety and depression.
—Bill Bergman, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
April September March July Which president was the first to skip his successor’s swearing-in?
Millard Filmore
John Adams
John Quincy Adams
Donald Trump
Which vice president was drunk during his inauguration (having imbibed whiskey to numb the pain from typhoid fever) and slurred his oath?
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for numb 
Adjective
There is a body roll, and the steering feedback is numb.
—Michael Harley, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This cohort was numb to the reality that digital addiction was accompanied by anxiety and depression.
—Bill Bergman, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
The late-game chaos led only to another loss and more numbing pain.
—Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
April September March July Which president was the first to skip his successor’s swearing-in?
Millard Filmore
John Adams
John Quincy Adams
Donald Trump
Which vice president was drunk during his inauguration (having imbibed whiskey to numb the pain from typhoid fever) and slurred his oath?
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
-
Harvey is a stellar writer, placing words with delicate precision on the blank sky of the page; her sentences of dazzling beauty won her the 2024 Booker Prize.—
Barbara Ellis,
The Denver Post,
3 Feb. 2025
-
This option is like a blank canvas; wear it solo for an understated look, or layer it under a blazer for a dressier move inspired by Graham.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As his attorney wrapped up a marathon closing argument Monday, former House Speaker Michael Madigan sat stoic at the defense table, gazing at the jury with his usual legal pad and pencil at the ready.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Oscar, older and more outwardly stoic, has no guarantees.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Instead, Eco dulls down the throttle response, and the steering becomes a bit less reactive.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Ars Technica,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Age, however, is threatening to dull the shine on that golden era, and that is adding a sense of urgency to this season’s playoff push, which is just beginning.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Once he's gone, wait until midnight when the village is asleep and climb the pole to remove the top.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
-
Long-haul and overnight flights, for example, give thieves ample time and opportunity to peruse through suitcases and personal item bags while passengers are asleep.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But that Fiennes mantle is as empty as St. Peter’s Square in a thunderstorm.—
Steven Zeitchik,
The Hollywood Reporter,
31 Jan. 2025
-
The food safety manager certificate was not available and paper towel dispensers near two hand sinks were empty.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacramento Bee,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
According to the National Weather Service, gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph. PREVIOUS, Jan. 17: Cooler temperatures and calm winds enabled firefighters to expand containment on the Palisades and Eaton fires Friday, as some residents were being allowed to return to their homes.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
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At Xanterra’s sites, for example, retirement-age workers interact particularly well with customers and stay calm under pressure, Dierenbach said.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Here’s how to test for and reduce your exposure to these forever chemicals in your water.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
27 Jan. 2025
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Princess Anne has no plans to reduce her royal duties as her peers reach retirement age.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That’s when Dolphins must sell themselves as an organization that isn’t bleeding out, and is a franchise headed in the right direction to an apathetic fan base that patiently waits to see the desperate moves the pair makes in 2025.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2025
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He's brought a lot of guys in that previous teams, and fan bases, were glad to see leave, or apathetic about their departures.—
Pierre LeBrun,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near numb
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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