insensibility

noun

Definition of insensibilitynext
1
as in numbness
a lack of emotion or emotional expressiveness the husband's general insensibility is creating great tension in the marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in trance
a temporary state of unconsciousness knocked into insensibility by the blow to the head

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 insensibility The famous Lord Chesterfield[5] counselled his son that he should never be seen to laugh; and that gravity with real or apparent insensibility is a universal characteristic of the savage. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insensibility
  1. numbness
  2. trance
  3. apathy
  4. daze
  5. emptiness
  6. faint
  7. coldness
  8. syncope
Noun
  • However, in July 2024, her symptoms started getting worse as the then-20-year-old started experiencing numbness on the left side of her body and vision problems.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In a rare occurrence, Bardot’s 80-minute AI drama that, according to the synopsis, examines contemporary alienation and numbness in today’s world of hyper-connectivity, is set for a spring 2027 release across 20 cities in Turkey via Baska Sinema.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of numbness
Noun
  • The oracle was a priestess who entered a trance state to convey answers from Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy.
    — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
  • At its best, Happiness Anytime finds Bridges stretching out as a singer, leaning into the trance-like rhythms provided by Jungle’s Tom McFarland, Josh Lloyd-Watson and Lydia Kitto.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of trance
Noun
  • His final essay collection asks many provocative questions about industrialism and apathy, but (perhaps wisely) offers no solutions to the world’s ills.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the 57-year-old has not hidden his apathy for Hollywood.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of apathy
Noun
  • Everyone in town seemed to walk through that day in a daze; Leslie’s name was spoken in hushed whispers.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • Kutsuna has an impish twinkle; Yamada mutely swans about in a daze like an opium fiend.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of daze
Noun
  • In all of the sketchbook entries reproduced here, Ross seems to offer a bridge between the representation of emptiness and the lived sensation of it.
    — Ryan Sullivan, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The suburbs promise space yet deliver emptiness, critics charge.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • Starting and running a business isn’t for the faint of heart.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Some of the stadium prices aren’t for the faint of heart, with a water alone almost costing $10 and a birria quesadilla almost $30.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
Definition of faint
Noun
  • The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The danger occurs if that ruthlessness veers into institutional coldness.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of coldness
Noun
  • The company also flags baseline cardiac disease, abnormal ECG, arrhythmia, prior cervical vagotomy, abnormal cervical anatomy, brain tumor or aneurysm history, head trauma, syncope, seizures and nickel allergy as unevaluated risks.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
  • Vasovagal syncope is defined by the British National Health Service as a common type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate.
    — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of syncope

Browse Nearby Words

insensibilities
insensibility
insensible
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Cite this Entry

“Insensibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insensibility. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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