as in dulls
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 numbs
This is the type of consistency that numbs fans from their love of the game.
—
Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
—Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
—Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
—Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbs
Verb
-
His status as a third-round pick dulls how the Eagles view his potential to fulfill either question.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
-
Concern has grown over on whether AI will become a catalyst that enriches humanity or a technological toxin that dulls human intelligence while wiping out millions of high-paying jobs.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
The future demands a neutral, interoperable and intelligent global trade infrastructure that reduces friction, expands inclusion and restores trust across borders.—
Meelan Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
The firm argued that eliminating cooling equipment reduces both upfront costs and operational complexity.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
An August poll found that a majority of them oppose it, and some voters have expressed concern that the new map also diminishes their representation as lawmakers would have to cover a wider, more varied geography.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Emphasizing the environmental benefits of reuse, given that the eco-lever drastically diminishes carbon emissions compared to producing new garments, SMART said that textiles should be clearly distinguished as valuable goods, not as waste streams.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
For Sanders, landing and holding a blue-chip defensive back during a losing season is a massive recruiting win that blunts any narratives of recruits fleeing the program.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Dec. 2025
-
For Singh, Stargate blunts the essence of the Clayton Act by potentially eliminating competition down the road.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
23 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Restricting those channels weakens influence competitors have struggled to match.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Iran’s government warned that any division at home over the deal weakens its negotiating position, and those criticizing negotiators are taking aim at a national decision.—
Julia Frankel,
Fortune,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Water dampens how far debris gets thrown, as anyone who has ever tried throwing an object underwater can confirm.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
-
That’s way too many and dampens his 56 strikeouts and only 36 hits allowed.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
If extra power is required, the GR 2 can draw from its internal battery before automatically reverting to external power once the demand subsides.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2026
-
The chafing is bad enough, but even worse, after the initial irritation subsides, my legs are embarrassingly left with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Numbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbs. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
