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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion
years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 numb
Kim Gordon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Americans have just grown numb to the disconnect.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Topical Anti-Itch Treatments Over-the-counter ointments and creams contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or a numbing medicine.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
During Covid, the world felt numb and dystopian.
—Kim Gordon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Americans have just grown numb to the disconnect.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Some talked of using drugs and alcohol to numb themselves and contemplating or attempting suicide.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Topical Anti-Itch Treatments Over-the-counter ointments and creams contain hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or a numbing medicine.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
-
The opening splash screen outlines all the different features available to you, from starting with a blank canvas to recording yourself through your webcam.—
David Nield,
Popular Science,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In the General Tab there is a blank space under Launch Options.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Just like everything old that becomes new again, this generation has claimed Ortega’s dark, stoic, intimidating, deadpan take on Wednesday as their own—perfect Halloween costume material.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Because of course, Mary is stoic.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Together, these ingredients create a gentle, yet powerful, solution that restores shine to stainless steel without dulling its finish.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Sep. 2025
-
In recent years, however, his Midas touch on the charts has dulled slightly, and his last two sets — 2023’s – (Minus) and 2024’s Autumn Variations — missed the top spot, while failing to generate the long-lasting hit singles his earlier albums had easily spun off.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The twenty-one-year-old is talking on the phone, and the ten-year-old is asleep on the sofa, her iPad clutched in her hands, her mouth slightly open.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
21 Sep. 2025
-
According to court documents obtained by WPMT, the couple’s son was asleep during the shooting before discovering his mom’s body on the floor.—
Mike Stunson,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Caleb, beside her, had an empty backpack from Skywalker Ranch slung over his shoulder.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
-
An empty lectern waited at its center.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Charlie would have called for calm heads and careful strategy.—
Ayaan Hirsi Ali,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The great hope of the Gulf Arabs is that Trump understands this and finally pressures Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire agreement, returning the region to something approaching calm.—
Monica Marks,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The researchers believe that the benefit likely comes from aspirin acting in several ways – by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet function and tumor growth.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In 2016, court filings indicate Gamez Lira was charged with possession of marijuana but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after the charges were reduced.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The alligators of Arctic Canada lay motionless in the swamps to wait out months of polar night, as dawn redwoods filtered the starlight.—
Peter Brannen,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
-
After sustaining the impact, Walker remained face down on the field, lying motionless.—
Lauren Merola,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share