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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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years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn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
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
And just like that, Sam is numb again.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
His chest immediately tightened and his arm went numb.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
And just like that, Sam is numb again.
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Smashing Machine traces three years in Kerr’s career, when his talents had begun to wane but his instincts still pushed him to focus on numbing the pain of his wounds.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
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Rocha’s face was blank and emotionless after he was given his fate, his standard expression throughout the trial.—
PJ Green
October 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Cutting back to the blank face, the viewer will likely infer that the person is hungry or sad, or happy.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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These little Swedish jewels are a reminder that even the most stoic and pragmatic carmakers can inspire with a brilliant high note of design and imagination.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
3 Oct. 2025
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The tone shifts from stoic and dark to campy by the end of the eight-episode series.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Topping it with butter or sugary spreads will also dull any potential benefits.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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Instead of softener, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to naturally soften towels and remove detergent residue without dulling the color.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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Hall of Fame basketball player Paul Pierce was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence after being found asleep behind the wheel of an SUV on a Los Angeles highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.—
David Carrillo Peñaloza,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Current school board President Kareem Moncree-Moffett, longtime member Brandon Craig and Jim Crosset, appointed last year to fill an empty seat left by Mike Moroski, make up the incumbents running for reelection.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Oct. 2025
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Sean Kuraly sealed the win by hitting an empty net with three seconds left in the game.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
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Senior dogs tend to slow down in their golden years, enjoying a calmer pace of life, but one owner's canine proved that age is just a number.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Onboarding can be personalized based on the team and role, helping people get productive faster and reducing the need for additional training.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
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This means targeted improvements could significantly reduce overall pollution without an industry-wide overhaul.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Lewis was briefly motionless and was carted off after being attended to for about 10 minutes this past Saturday.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Her bright white legs stood out starkly against the boat, looking almost motionless in the frame.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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