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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion
years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 numb
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
The passengers, including me, sat stoically in the dark, tired and numb.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
In the book, Bunnie describes turning to pills, cocaine and alcohol to escape reality and numb the effects of trauma from her upbringing.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
Wayans also experienced foot pain, numb toes, delirium and blurry vision.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
The passengers, including me, sat stoically in the dark, tired and numb.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
The pain can last for hours and may numb your fingers, bare feet or other areas of your body.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
In the book, Bunnie describes turning to pills, cocaine and alcohol to escape reality and numb the effects of trauma from her upbringing.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
-
Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight assessment indicated that only three blank sailings have been announced on the Asia-to-Europe trade route this week, indicating higher capacity deployment to accommodate peak season cargo.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
The previously stoic pope is drawing huge crowds and seems to be making a star turn, enthralling the faithful with emotive assurance.—
Anthony Faiola,
Washington Post,
7 June 2026
-
Golf is a game that can bring out a wide array of emotions from even the most stoic of competitors.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Concern has grown over on whether AI will become a catalyst that enriches humanity or a technological toxin that dulls human intelligence while wiping out millions of high-paying jobs.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
-
Freezing can dull the garlic and lemon flavors, Schwan says, so adding those ingredients back in helps the hummus taste fresh again.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and the children were found safe and asleep in their room.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
-
Trump has been accused of falling asleep at Cabinet and Oval Office meetings, though has denied several incidents.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist, and Logan Stankoven scored a goal.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
If Congress doesn't act and allows the trust fund to empty, the program will only pay out what the government collects in taxes.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2026
-
Choose clear words to build calm, trust, and workable agreements.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Before long, the living room is reduced to a bare stage, upon which only a couple of pulleys and switches are visible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Each ergonomic Nuage seat fully reclines to improve circulation and reduce back pressure.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
