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
Chala Tyson Tshitundu, Bon Appétit, 29 Sep. 2021
Come winter, wide open spaces in Iowa are more numbing than even a hardy Minnesotan wants to experience.
—Jon Bream, Star Tribune, 5 Feb. 2021
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Regulars at Sichuan could choose from an expansive menu that included mouth-numbing Sichuan dishes, stir-fries and sizzling platters.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Adjective
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
Come winter, wide open spaces in Iowa are more numbing than even a hardy Minnesotan wants to experience.
—Jon Bream, Star Tribune, 5 Feb. 2021
Verb
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
Regulars at Sichuan could choose from an expansive menu that included mouth-numbing Sichuan dishes, stir-fries and sizzling platters.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbing
Adjective
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This outfit, one of Bessette-Kennedy’s most famous, manages to turn what could feel boring—a plain khaki midiskirt—into a genuine statement.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Children, that great adventure, boring?—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The freezing rain will gradually give way to plain old rain overnight in the higher elevations.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
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Border Patrol agents briefly took custody of him on an immigration detainer before determining he shouldn’t be deported and, later that night, dropped him at a closed coffee house alone in near freezing temperatures.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Mar. 2026
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That deal, which required Iran to limit its nuclear program by, among other things, cutting enrichment levels and reducing centrifuges, took effect in 2016 and was due to expire 10 years after it was adopted.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Flying can be tiring, but apparently not as tiring as seeing passengers in pajamas – at least according to one airport.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
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Blennies and gobies are tiring to look at, darting every which way above.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The narrow path of annularity crossed only a small slice of Antarctica, placing the crew at the Concordia Research Station among the fortunate few able to witness the full effect from the icy plateau.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
26 Feb. 2026
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The generous co-ed area has an aromatherapy room; infrared saunas; a snow shower, chilled to 14 degrees, that spouts icy flakes; a cold plunge; and a lap-pool-size jacuzzi.—
Roger Kisby,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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There are gobs of money to be made selling enterprise software, but dulling the impact of AI is also a useful feint.—
Josh Tyrangiel,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There’s a ladies’ and a gentlemen’s flanking the stairwell on this upper entry level, each outfitted with a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and showers inside and out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
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Blasted off, still alive The researchers chose Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium known for surviving extreme radiation, cold, dryness, and other harsh conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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Now, Sora 2 might just be another online fad, a reality-deadening distraction that people will soon tire of.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbing. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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