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years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of numb
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
So her face just smiles, tho’ her heart is growing numb.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
During your appointment, the healthcare professional will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area.
—Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
The numb detachment scrawled across Sofia’s face points to her resentment at having to put her life on hold while tending to the endless needs of her demanding mother, who uses a wheelchair but has been known to walk on rare occasions.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
So her face just smiles, tho’ her heart is growing numb.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
These include steroid and numbing creams, Dr. Wassef said, and pain relievers like acetaminophen and aspirin, Dr. Blumberg added.
—Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
During your appointment, the healthcare professional will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area.
—Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
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Don’t let anyone persuade you to lie on a form or sign a blank form.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
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For me, a blank March Madness bracket has always felt like a world of possibility contained in one 8.5x11 inch piece of paper.—
Jamie Harrow,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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And Susie Cullen’s production design turns typical markers of a fine-dining environment — windowless bathroom stalls; orange mood lighting; a stoic staff — into elements of a garish nightmare.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Mar. 2025
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The track cover shows a throwback photo of a relatively makeup-free Parton, grinning with her arms around Dean, who dons a white T-shirt and stoic pose.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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An over-reliance on biography can dull a music doc, turning it into a paint-by-numbers enterprise, but just the right amount can bolster it.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Mar. 2025
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However, during the total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, the full moon’s light will be dulled and then almost extinguished for the 65 minutes of totality.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Chronic insomnia — an inability to fall or stay asleep or waking up much earlier than desired — could lead to serious issues, including heart attacks and stroke.—
Andrew Torgan,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
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Fernandez-Mendoza: Our team was the first to show that those complaining about insomnia – difficulty falling or staying asleep – were more likely to have high blood pressure and be at risk for heart disease.—
Julio Fernandez-Mendoza,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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From 65 million to 80 million housing units across China are estimated to be empty.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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At the end of the family's very eventful day, Duggar and Wissmann sat around a quiet, unlit campfire with many empty camping chairs waiting for the rest of the family to arrive.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Once water has been introduced, provide the dog with treats and praise while bathing them, and remain calm and confident.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These layoffs reduced staffing at some local weather forecast offices to threadbare levels, causing some to reduce their services.—
Andrew Freedman,
Axios,
17 Mar. 2025
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Although reducing the property tax burden could provide significant benefits to business owners and homeowners, there’s no guarantee that landlords would pass those savings on to their tenants.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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These kinds of policies cultivate students who rely on their schools to shield them from the natural consequences of their poor choices, and enable apathetic, unmotivated students to remain apathetic and unmotivated.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2025
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And because plenty of teens are apathetic about school, many parents and teachers are willing to give those kids a pass.—
Jenny Anderson,
The Atlantic,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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