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years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn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
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Panettiere writes candidly about using alcohol to numb depression, trauma and emotional pain, describing addiction as an all-consuming cycle of denial and desperation.
—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
On the spicy side, there were plenty of fragrant, tingly, numbing málà peppers.
—
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
Outgunned in Monaco, over-cautious in Lyon, no holding midfielder in the final defeat to Chelsea in 2021 and a Real Madrid remontada the following year which left them numb.
—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Panettiere writes candidly about using alcohol to numb depression, trauma and emotional pain, describing addiction as an all-consuming cycle of denial and desperation.
—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Verb
That is because numbing and restoration are not the same.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
On the spicy side, there were plenty of fragrant, tingly, numbing málà peppers.
—
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
-
When Bill’s older brother Henry (Barry Ward) finds the pianist in numbed solitude in his dingy apartment, Bill has canceled all his upcoming gigs, saying Scotty cannot be replaced.
-
Ingber also notes the numbed response to these strikes from much of the American public, something that, in part, may come from the routine nature of these drone strikes as something that the nation has become desensitized to dropping bombs on enemies.
Adjective
-
Recent photos taken of the portion of the Kennedy Center still hidden by the tarp show the blank space where the sitting president’s name—which was added to the building in December of 2025—used to be.
-
Floor-to-ceiling shelving can turn a blank wall into valuable storage, tall drapery panels can make even the most modest historic structure feel expansive, and oversized artwork can help the eye travel through a room in a way that feels immersive and intentional.
Adjective
-
Instead, in much of popular culture, men often get messages encouraging them to be stoic and unemotional.
-
Your instinct may be to focus on logistics while avoiding your emotions… but unfortunately for you, this season is anything but stoic.
Verb
-
Blurring bamboo silk powders keep shine in check without dulling skin, while camellia seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E help mature complexions look smooth, hydrated, and naturally luminous.
-
Bitch, despite being created with Reed in tandem with My Face Hurts From Smiling, leans more pop and R&B with lyrics that may have been dulled down for palatability.
Adjective
-
According to the arrest report, the victim had fallen asleep while seated at the dining room table.
-
At least one was an infant, asleep in the back seat.
Adjective
-
Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds.
-
Inside, there’s an empty dining room.
Adjective
-
July 23 – August 22 This morning feels calm, but later moves faster.
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
Verb
-
New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
-
The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
