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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn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
New Atlas, 2 May 2026
Wayans also experienced foot pain, numb toes, delirium and blurry vision.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
On the spicy side, there were plenty of fragrant, tingly, numbing málà peppers.
—Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
The steering, however, is numb and the handling is competent but uninspiring.
—New Atlas, 2 May 2026
Wayans also experienced foot pain, numb toes, delirium and blurry vision.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Verb
That is because numbing and restoration are not the same.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
On the spicy side, there were plenty of fragrant, tingly, numbing málà peppers.
—Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
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When Bill’s older brother Henry (Barry Ward) finds the pianist in numbed solitude in his dingy apartment, Bill has canceled all his upcoming gigs, saying Scotty cannot be replaced.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
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Ingber also notes the numbed response to these strikes from much of the American public, something that, in part, may come from the routine nature of these drone strikes as something that the nation has become desensitized to dropping bombs on enemies.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Conversations with Chiarella helped Clausen nail down the technical elements of his performance, practicing disingenuous smiles and blank eyes.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 June 2026
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That word is presented as a row of blank squares.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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Instead, in much of popular culture, men often get messages encouraging them to be stoic and unemotional.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
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Your instinct may be to focus on logistics while avoiding your emotions… but unfortunately for you, this season is anything but stoic.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
Verb
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The danger is heavy-handed protections for Eskom will suppress wholesale prices, dulling market signals investors need for further investment in the sector, and effectively rebranding the old monopoly.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
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Fabric softener leaves a residue on elastane fibers that can dull the finish and attract bacteria, which causes excessive odor.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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According to the arrest report, the victim had fallen asleep while seated at the dining room table.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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At least one was an infant, asleep in the back seat.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Adjective
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Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds.—
Susan Svrluga,
Washington Post,
24 June 2026
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Inside, there’s an empty dining room.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Adjective
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To alleviate some of the security concerns in metropolitan areas and calm citizens' fears, the United States housed prisoners in military installations and federal facilities throughout the South and Southwest.—
Helaine Williams,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
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Clark seized on a more gentle course — slightly calmer and still soft with receptive greens — by pulling away late to reach six-under-par through 16 holes.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Verb
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New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
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The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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