as in disability
complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body
the car accident left one athlete with paralysis from the waist down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 paralysis
Alison devises a plan to escape her creative paralysis.
—
Charlie Tyson, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
Due to their long backs and short legs, dachshunds are genetically prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a spinal condition that can cause pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Leaders must rigorously prioritize and communicate clearly, ensuring optionality does not devolve into paralysis or inefficiency.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
This type of hallucination is a hallmark for many people with sleep paralysis.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Charlie Tyson, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
Due to their long backs and short legs, dachshunds are genetically prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a spinal condition that can cause pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Leaders must rigorously prioritize and communicate clearly, ensuring optionality does not devolve into paralysis or inefficiency.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
This type of hallucination is a hallmark for many people with sleep paralysis.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
-
Medicaid The Senate bill would match some elements of the House version by implementing work requirements for the popular joint federal-state health care program for Americans with disabilities, the elderly and low-income people.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
17 June 2025
-
Medicaid is the primary source of coverage for long-term care nationwide, helping low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities receive assistance with basic activities like bathing, dressing and walking.—
Liz Barton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
The most severely affected reported a 66% impairment in productivity.—
Beth Greenfield,
Fortune,
18 June 2025
-
There’s a lot to discover beyond the shores of Holy Island, including — Spike imagines — a cure for his mother’s headaches, nosebleeds, and cognitive impairment.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
The Emmy-winning composer died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles following an eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Clausen’s daughter told the Hollywood Reporter.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
-
For example, in the hand tendon-transfer surgery for high median-ulnar palsy, one muscle is sutured to all four finger flexor tendons.—
Evan Ackerman,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Mar. 2018
Noun
-
Frank is committed to improving players’ strengths and weaknesses, and this is an area that could facilitate Tel’s development.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
The pair argues that Europe risks falling behind not due to a lack of technical capability but because of structural market weaknesses.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share