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
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 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
-
Pickled onions add a bright acidity, and everything gets tossed in barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory salad that’s anything but boring.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Pastas and Grains Similar to powdered laundry detergent, pastas and grains have packaging that's dull, boring, and bulky.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Along the way, Johnson will be seen sheltering in an under-siege eight-story flat during a missile strike, and will join mobile gun teams and Kyiv’s volunteer air defenders for a freezing night shift protecting the capital from Russian drone attacks.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 Apr. 2026
-
As global temperatures rise, the freezing line where precipitation changes from rain to snow moves up the mountains, shrinking the area capable of sustaining a seasonal snowpack.—
Imtiaz Rangwala,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The station initially bridged the sudden budget gap last year by reaching out to donors directly and reducing costs to bring down overhead.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 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
-
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
-
Mulligan, who similarly usually gives off a warm presence onscreen, is icy and sharp here, her Lindsay stuck up and miserable in the life she's made for herself but completely trapped by her own ego and selfishness.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Hot honey blonde is shaping up to be the color of the season, with tons of celebrities already ditching their icy tones for a warmer shade.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Tuesday morning will be cold, with temperatures in the 30s.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
After the case went cold for decades, advances in DNA technology led to the case being reopened and the baby's body being exhumed in July 2019, KVLY, Valley News Live, and KX News reported.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
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 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
