1
as in numbed
lacking in sensation or feeling
I've been sitting in the same position for too long and now my feet are numb
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2
as in blank
not expressing any emotion
apparently in shock, he answered the police officer's questions with a numb expression on his face
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3
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion
years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn
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as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
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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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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
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Recent Examples of numb
Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026
Over time, your extremities go numb, which indicates the beginning of frostbite.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Angela Haupt, Time, 19 Mar. 2026
Minimal downtime, no numbing required, and results build over time.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026
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
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
The roof is a manual Sky Slider design that feels a lot more on-brand than a numb push-button.
—Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026
Over time, your extremities go numb, which indicates the beginning of frostbite.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
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
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
Our phones bring us delights and numbing distractions, but also fresh horrors every day.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for numb
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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