as in anesthetic
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1
as in undermining
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
an excess of detail deadens much of the mystery novel's suspense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
a couple of aspirins deadened the headache
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deadening
Jack Sheehan
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
The tires also contain a sound-deadening foam that contributes to the Optiq’s quiet cabin.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Here was an invention no one had asked for, that promised to upend perfectly good industries while further deadening the American intellect and locking in place the political biases of post-Covid Biden-crats.
—Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
To that end, Cadillac at least ramps up the sound deadening to improve NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) that an internal combustion engine might otherwise drown out.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadening
Verb
Horror of this scale has the effect of deadening words, making stories of the most unimaginable violence land with a dull thud.
—Jack Sheehan
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
The tires also contain a sound-deadening foam that contributes to the Optiq’s quiet cabin.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Here was an invention no one had asked for, that promised to upend perfectly good industries while further deadening the American intellect and locking in place the political biases of post-Covid Biden-crats.
—Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
To that end, Cadillac at least ramps up the sound deadening to improve NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) that an internal combustion engine might otherwise drown out.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deadening
Adjective
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Supplements That Interfere With Anesthesia Certain supplements can interact negatively with anesthetic medications, which are given before surgery to prevent feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
28 Oct. 2025
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Schultz also slow-walked the trial use of the fast-acting anesthetic ketamine by paramedics, who were able to administer only four doses in six months under his stewardship.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In handing down the sentence, Montenegro said Bonillo understood the scope of his misdeeds, abused his position of trust and used that position to enrich himself while undermining CBP’s main goal.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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In late September, a wave carrying debris from a nearby home that had already collapsed slammed into theirs, undermining its foundation.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Under the new terms of the license, Chevron was authorized to pay fees and royalties to Venezuela in oil but not in cash, effectively reducing Chevron’s crude exports from the country by half, according to Reuters.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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The initiative’s foundation addresses the problem of inconsistent and burdensome reporting by engaging the industry to define an optional (and non-exhaustive) questionnaire aimed at strengthening data quality and consistency while significantly reducing the administrative burden on suppliers.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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He was driven by the ambition to design the most potent narcotic analgesic possible.—
Jahan Marcu,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
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Even in the analgesic study, where traditional scales often failed or even showed misleading results (for example, participants reporting more pain after receiving an analgesic), the monetary measures correctly and significantly detected differences.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That goes even further than DESI's hints at weakening dark energy.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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The central bank cut its benchmark rate for the second time this year at its most recent meeting, in part to help bolster the economy amid a weakening job market.—
Fortune,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Long-term, alcohol damages the brain by shrinking white and gray matter, dulling rewards, and overactivating the stress system.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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Warm kitchens speed up staling and fat oxidation, dulling flavors faster.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The problem is that to be so universally inoffensive, an affiliative joke usually ends up being overworn and anodyne.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
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This season of The Golden Bachelor is shaping up to be the most anodyne viewing of the fall.—
Ali Barthwell,
Vulture,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After exhausting themselves in this 7-hour game, the two teams will have to do this all over again on Tuesday in Game 4.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
28 Oct. 2025
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In today’s housing market, even the lucky ones often face exhausting ordeals and need to stretch their budgets to land a home.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deadening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deadening. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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