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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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
Gill, one of Turner's attorneys, said the ruling was a numbing disappointment. — Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026 Clove water contains compounds with mild numbing and anti-inflammatory effects. — Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025
Verb
On the spicy side, there were plenty of fragrant, tingly, numbing málà peppers. — Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026 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 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
  • Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been a boring week for Makyah, who’s in third grade at Banneker Elementary.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of boring
Adjective
  • Elective egg freezing was considered experimental until about 2013, when freezing techniques improved.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Some of them walked down a long path outside, and lowered themselves gingerly into the freezing waters of the fjord.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of freezing
Verb
  • Drought conditions are also fueling devastating, costly wildfires and reducing crop yields, threatening to push up food prices.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Reportedly this approach could boost reliability by reducing the number of mechanical components.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of reducing
Adjective
  • Permanent Marker Removal Trying to scrub permanent marker away is tiring, time-consuming, and often futile without some type of product to loosen the marker.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
Definition of tiring
Adjective
  • Perseid shooting stars appear as Earth enters the debris trail cast off by the icy comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Arctic, often seen as merely a remote, icy landscape, actually plays a central role in regulating the planet’s climate.
    — Daniel Peck, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Verb
  • To protect himself, however, Trask has created an inhibitor field that de-powers any mutant nearby, dulling Wolverine’s healing power and ferocity.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Here are the cleaning mistakes that could be dulling your hardwood floors’ shine, as well as the simple fixes to restore their finish.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of dulling
Adjective
  • Those include Japan’s massive debt that exceeds 200% of GDP, fiscal stimulus that’s expected to worsen the deficit, and a central bank that’s been slow to raise rates in the face of high inflation.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • With two outs, Junior Caminero hit a slow roller on a 1-2 slider that third baseman Encarnacion-Strand could not field cleanly for a run-scoring infield single.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Health benefits Peppermint oil is widely used as pain relief, digestive aid and cold relief.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Eldridge’s home run, a solo shot, was the latest exhibition of his game-changing power, an opposite-field, 423-foot blast that cleared the left-center field fence on a cold San Francisco (50-70) night with feet to spare.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of numbing for Spanish Speakers

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