Synonyms of numbness

numbness

noun

as in apathy

a lack of emotion or emotional expressiveness

the prisoner exhibited the numbness of someone who had spent more years behind bars than he could remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apathy
• emptiness
• impassivity
• phlegm
• coldness
• impassiveness
• insensibility
• detachment
• emotionlessness
• affectlessness
• hardness
• stiffness
• deadness
• indifference
• callousness
• coolness
• heartlessness
• blankness
• callosity
• insensitivity
• imperturbability
• obduracy
• vacancy
• bloodlessness
• unconcern
• halfheartedness
• aloofness
• hard-heartedness
• woodenness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• feeling
• emotion
• sympathy
• sensibility
• sensitivity
• compassion
• empathy
• pity
• understanding
• warmth
• responsiveness
• tenderness
• receptivity
• hysteria
• solicitude
• melodrama
• receptiveness
• hysterics
• vehemence
• histrionics
• hand-wringing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of numbness

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Pain, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities can point to an orthopedic issue, but the same sensations can also signal prostate cancer that has spread. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The tight plastic handcuffs caused numbness in her dominant hand that persisted for weeks, documents said, and tests showed that the handcuffs ruptured at least one ligament in her wrist. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026

Symptoms include tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, balance issues and muscle cramps. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Tests revealed a herniated disk, which impacted nerves in Jones’ back and caused numbness in his leg. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 25 July 2026

New or worsening back pain, especially with leg weakness, numbness or trouble controlling the bladder or bowels? — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

If neck pain persists past a week, if headaches become chronic or if numbness or tingling reaches the arms or hands, that’s the threshold to book an appointment — not a signal to push through. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

According to the report, the boy first developed progressive facial numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by loss of appetite, painful swallowing and vomiting. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026