numbing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnə-miŋ How to pronounce numbing (audio)
Definition of numbingnext
1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest an utterly numbing class in statistics

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2
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature the numbing air of that wintry morning

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

numbing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of numb
as in reducing
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 numbing
Adjective
Clove water contains compounds with mild numbing and anti-inflammatory effects. — Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025 Some critics and documentary filmmakers say that mandate is reductive and numbing. — Michael Powell, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2022
Verb
People with chemical keratitis, as it’s called, are generally treated with numbing drops and need to have their eyes flushed—sometimes for hours—until their pH returns to normal. — Angela Haupt, Time, 19 Mar. 2026 Minimal downtime, no numbing required, and results build over time. — Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for numbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbing
  1. boring
  2. freezing
  3. reducing
  4. tiring
  5. icy
  6. dulling
  7. slow
  8. cold
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the group offered amazingly little of that over the course of the night, minimizing the bells and whistles during what could be properly dubbed a fairly boring stage show overall.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In valuing and nurturing a sense of life as the adventure of understanding and demonstrating Love’s allness, what might have previously seemed to be a boring gap in activity becomes a spiritually refreshing pause.
    — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Above the freezing level, droplets become ice crystals whose collisions separate electrical charges, as in an ordinary thunderstorm.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed, which grows best in cooler climates, but the butterflies can’t tolerate freezing temperatures.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of freezing
Verb
  • Rising adoption of rooftop and distributed solar systems in South Africa is reducing national grid demand, squeezing utilities’ revenues and prompting interest in diversification.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The goal is of course, to get more long-term LA Metro riders, but also by reducing cars on the road, traffic flow improves and vehicle emissions drop, said LA Metro.
    — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of reducing
Adjective
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • Clothing that handles part of the pulling and positioning could make mornings less tiring.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • He was last seen on a snow machine that broke through an icy river.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Tropical Coco Fresca is a layered pineapple-watermelon agua fresca with chamoy lava Tajin® rim, paired with a scoop of icy coconut snow that melts into a creamy tropical explosion of flavors, sure to keep you cool in the Texas heat!
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Verb
  • Your diplomatic touch can set kind boundaries without dulling your warmth.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
  • Blurring bamboo silk powders keep shine in check without dulling skin, while camellia seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E help mature complexions look smooth, hydrated, and naturally luminous.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
Definition of dulling
Adjective
  • Researchers used the device to process time-series data, including signals that contained both rapid and slow changes.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • However, there is another, slower and more insidious evacuation taking place, and that is the steady migration from rural areas all around the world to burgeoning cities, which now host more than half the world’s population.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Boxwood is generally easy to grow and cold-tolerant, meaning its leaves stay on the plant year-round.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Receive free cold beverages at budget-friendly hotels, or pay more for places with welcome champagne and a rooftop pool with Gaudí views.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold

Browse Nearby Words

numbers
numbing
numbness
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Cite this Entry

“Numbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbing. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on numbing

Nglish: Translation of numbing for Spanish Speakers

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