numb 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnəm How to pronounce numb (audio)
Definition of numbnext
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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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not feeling or showing emotion years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn

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numb

2 of 2

verb

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

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
Adjective
Be sure to start below the injury and wrap upward, overlapping each layer but never so tightly that fingers or toes become numb or painful. — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Then, in late May 1986, Kontras, whose tall, athletic build discloses a lifelong dedication to good health, noticed a swelling on the left side of his back that was numb to the touch. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
The oil is mixed with garlic and soy sauce that’s been reduced with scallions and brown sugar, forming a salty-sweet elixir that delivers lip-numbing but not face-melting heat. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 The company says that, in its experience, many treatments may reduce pain and downtime compared with some conventional approaches, with numbing cream not always required. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
  1. numbed
  2. blank
  3. stoic
  4. dull
  5. asleep
  6. empty
  7. calm
  8. reduce
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
Definition of numbed
Adjective
  • The blank area, or the area not occupied by the author’s work, has almost the same importance in a book as that occupied by the ink used to print the text.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly six million people cast a blank or spoiled vote — including Alexandre Moreira, a 21-year-old university student.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of blank
Adjective
  • Historically, being a strong leader meant being invulnerable and stoic—showing no signs of weakness.
    — Krishna Savani, Harvard Business Review, 12 Oct. 2026
  • After the blinding start to a decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces, after the crawl through quicksand for the rest of it, after the bloody lip and a stoic walk off the floor while cannons spit celebratory smoke into the air.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stoic
Verb
  • But perpetually hunting in the same locale can dull the shimmer.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Monét sings prettily on both duets, but their conventionality dulls her shine.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • The only reason to think this may be a game is if the Cowboys are asleep, and Jalon Daniels has some success running the ball.
    — Mac Engel October 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Chidgasornpongse crystallizes that cosmic doom further when Grandma Saluay falls half-asleep or stares out the van window, her mind drifting into the ether.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of asleep
Adjective
  • The former Cap City Tavern building in Denver has sat empty since leaving its Golden Triangle neighborhood home in July 2025, but that’s about to change.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The footage shows a nearly empty parking lot and the property is temporarily closed.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of empty
Adjective
  • An oasis of calm, this colonial low-rise near Connaught Place is one of the city's best bets for location, charm, and style.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • According to Hall, topical PDRN can still hydrate skin, reduce inflammation and support natural repair processes, helping the complexion appear calmer and more comfortable.
    — Lucy Partington, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of calm
Verb
  • Slickwater uses a mix of water, sand, and thin, friction-reducing chemicals rather than thicker gels to shatter dense shale rock deep underground and free the gas.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Choudri told the board during the hearing that the agency had adopted measures to reduce consultant costs.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of reduce

Browse Nearby Words

nulls
numb
numbed
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Cite this Entry

“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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