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
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
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
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
Our phones bring us delights and numbing distractions, but also fresh horrors every day.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbing
Adjective
-
And given all of the drama leading into the event, pretty good marks and a relatively boring draft add up to a win.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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As an interactive greeter, Melody shows how smart AI can turn boring service kiosks into friendly, lifelike conversations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 23 degrees are expected.—
Stacey DuFord,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
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Just five hours of sub-freezing temperatures is enough to take out crops.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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MacRumors thinks this could end up reducing the thickness of the iPhone’s display stack while improving brightness and minimizing power use.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
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The Airhart ethos is focused on reducing the cognitive drain on the pilot.—
David Szondy
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Flimsy nozzles crack and leak, and heavy-duty nozzles get tiring to hold when your garden calls for more watering time than your hands can handle.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
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Swift herself talked about how tiring the tour was and what her plans for the future were last October on BBC Radio 1 with Greg James.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The observations, captured by SPHEREx, map icy material across the turbulent Cygnus X region, a massive star-forming complex filled with dense clouds of gas and dust where new stars are rapidly emerging.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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Of course, being surprised by flavors and textures was half the fun, especially the icy somen and nodoguro and ōtoro nigiri.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 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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Garlic is a slow-growing and cold-hardy plant that’s usually planted in garden beds in autumn, long after the rest of the garden has been put to bed for the year.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Apr. 2026
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After nearly five decades in space, engineers have had to steadily power down heaters and instruments while making sure the spacecraft do not get so cold that key systems, including fuel lines, are put at risk.—
Eric Mack,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 2026.
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