dumbed

past tense of dumb
as in shushed
to stop the noise or speech of the terrible news dumbed her for a long moment, and then she burst into tears

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbed
Verb
  • They were repeatedly shushed instead as the Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3) fell to 13-10 in their marquee event after failing to keep pace with a USC offense that averaged nearly eight yards per play through the first three quarters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
  • As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed.
    — Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • In the shadows of the Catholic church, nuns and women have long endured abuse at the hands of priests — insidious and tactful grooming, silenced by confession, and hidden through systemic cover-ups.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The level of organization is surprising, but this is a trend of Jews being portrayed in certain ways and trying to be silenced.
    — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hundreds of people responsible for 73 million Americans’ health care quieted as conference room lights dimmed and Mehmet Oz’s face appeared on giant screens Thursday morning.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
  • It’s been a tumultuous journey but coming to Atlanta this season has been the perfect move for the three-time All-Star, whose accomplishments this year have quieted many of her critics.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Even Pappas, one of the company’s loudest and most blunt critics, was muted when asked about the prospect of the renewal.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Snell is aware not everyone may want an Austen film this muted in color.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hans Op de Beeck’s first dalliance with a luxury house feels a lot like his art — hushed, contemplative, and slightly under the radar.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The lounge is a real scene, especially during afternoon tea, when a perfectly coiffed crowd has hushed discussions about worldly matters.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Camilla settled on a pair of chocolate brown suede boots, a slouchy style that the royal has worn on and off over the years.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Then Ojeda settled a cross with his chest and sent in a low show from the corner of the six-yard box to give Orlando its first lead at 2-1 in the 49th.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rebecca’s hands stilled, and the girl stared at her grandmother, wide-eyed.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Both the Moody Mansion and the 1892 Bishop’s Palace are museums stilled in time and filled with the marks of late 19th-century splendor.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 July 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Dumbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbed. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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