1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
an utterly numbing class in statistics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature
the numbing air of that wintry morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of numbing
Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2022
Aside from being scientifically fascinating, the special effect of these peppercorns is also a key component of Sichuan cuisine’s greatest gift to the culinary world, a numbing and spicy flavor profile known as málà.
—Chala Tyson Tshitundu, Bon Appétit, 29 Sep. 2021
Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
In trauma psychology, emotional numbing is often seen as part of a survival response rather than an adaptive emotional state.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Adjective
Some critics and documentary filmmakers say that mandate is reductive and numbing.
—Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2022
Aside from being scientifically fascinating, the special effect of these peppercorns is also a key component of Sichuan cuisine’s greatest gift to the culinary world, a numbing and spicy flavor profile known as málà.
—Chala Tyson Tshitundu, Bon Appétit, 29 Sep. 2021
Verb
There seems every chance that the atmosphere will be similarly subdued on Sunday, not least because so many Spurs fans are currently gripped by a numbing apathy at the state of their club and have lost patience with Frank.
—Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
In trauma psychology, emotional numbing is often seen as part of a survival response rather than an adaptive emotional state.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbing
Adjective
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The rooms Forget boring beiges and personality-less whites.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
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This is a boring line of logic to keep hammering as the season drags on.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Carrying his skimboard, which is like a cross between a boogie board and a surfboard, the University of South Florida freshman waited for the right moment to run into the waves, try some tricks and fall in the freezing water.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
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Early Tuesday, temperatures dipped into the upper 20s and low 30s across Central Texas — and exactly freezing (32 degrees) at Camp Mabry, Austin’s main weather observation site — which were the region’s coldest readings since early February.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
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Congress has been reducing these benefits, and there is no doubt that benefits will be reduced in the future with possible increases in taxes.—
Elliot Raphaelson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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And adopting the mantle of cultural curmudgeon can get tiring.—
Anna Holmes,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
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Riko Ueki headed Japan's opening goal, her fourth of the tournament, before Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Kiko Seike all scored against a tiring Vietnamese defense.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Twenty-year-old Maksym Yevsiukov makes his way up the icy sidewalk under the drone nets.—
Eleanor Beardsley,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
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Ever since Pluto was infamously stripped of its planetary status two decades ago, debate has raged for years over the distant icy world – half the size of the United States – and just what sort of cosmic body it should be classified as.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At Source puts seven years of joint practice and mutual magnetism to tape without dulling the dynamic buzz of their live sets.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
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Also, don't store beans or ground coffee in the refrigerator—the coffee may absorb moisture and odors, dulling its flavor.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Miami-Dade cold case detectives say that this is just one of the cold cases they are dedicated to solving.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Take advantage of the soon-to-start farmers market with a deal on Nama’s cold press juicer.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Both nationally and in Minnesota , there has been a shift away from intelligent discussion of public policy to endless partisan warfare with a deadening impact on the public.—
Arne Carlson,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Numbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbing. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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