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
Minimal downtime, no numbing required, and results build over time. — Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026 The 25-minute, full-face treatment involves numbing and is highly tolerable, with one to two days of mild redness. — Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 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
  • Christian flat out tells Bryan to do anything else because the gown is so boring, but Bryan could not be more disinterested in his advice.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Just a year ago, $100,000 was considered a relatively 'boring’ price for bitcoin.
    — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Far better was his save in a freezing Vienna in December 1996 against Rapid in the Champions League, which delighted the 5,000 travelling United fans and stunned the Austrians.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • For even more dramatic alpine scenery, make the drive to Glacier National Park to hike beneath glaciers, spot rushing waterfalls fed by ancient ice fields, and brave a freezing cold plunge in an aquamarine glacier lake.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
Definition of freezing
Verb
  • Following numerous noise complaints, the town is requiring players to use a new noise-reducing ball that is far more expensive than a regular ball.
    — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The company, which generated approximately $10 billion in revenue in 2025, is increasingly embedding AI across its equipment, digital platforms and dealer network to help farmers improve yields while reducing costs.
    — Peter High, Forbes.com, 31 July 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
  • These women of the W aren’t the only professional athletes to point out their icy relationship with their commissioner.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 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
  • The slow pace continued for a while, but eventually, Punk took down Rhodes with a leaping heel kick and tweaked his knee.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Long days were spent cleaning, drawing and waiting for customers during slow periods, all while mastering a craft that permanently alters another person’s body.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • It was instead caused by cold air plummeting to the ground from the upper levels of a passing thunderstorm, experts says.
    — Mark Price July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • For lunch, head outside to The Pocket pool bar and lounge for fish tacos and a cold beer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of numbing for Spanish Speakers

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