NUMBS Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

numbs

verb

present tense third-person singular of numb

as in dulls

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling wait for the medication to numb your mouth

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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 The slime of some species also numbs an attacker’s tongue, protecting them from predators. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbs

Verb

Over time, these harsh or oily formulas leave behind residue that dulls the shine and attracts dirt, making your floors look cloudy instead of clean.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026
Perhaps the palm-tree mural emphasizes the open windowlessness of the subterranean, or the flat color dulls exertion.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of dulls

Verb

Bright colors pop across the entire massive IPS panel, even at different viewing angles, and a zippy 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and keeps everything on-screen smooth.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Swimming also reduces stress as rhythmic breathing and movement trigger the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins and dopamine, which produce a sense of euphoria and well-being.

— Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of reduces

Verb

The filter significantly diminishes elements commonly found in water that can be damaging, like chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, and more.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
My belief in the freshmen’s collective greatness diminishes throughout the program.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminishes

Verb

The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions.

— Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
The erosion of those countries’ industrial capacity ultimately weakens their ability to compete with and resist China economically, diplomatically, and militarily.

— Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakens

Verb

That pillowy feeling is thanks to their dreamstrike+ foam, which absorbs shock and dampens the impact of each step—especially important when walking on unforgiving surfaces, like cobblestones or concrete.

— Shannon Bauer, InStyle, 28 June 2026
As someone who enjoys gardening and beautifying my yard, one thing that always dampens my mood is the sight of weeds.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 June 2026

Definition of dampens

Verb

The brutal nausea and vomiting of norovirus, for instance, subsides in one to three days; even the relentless diarrhea of cyclosporiasis can let up in a couple of days with an antibiotic.

— Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026
That said, living in the South means there’s still a ways to go before the heat subsides, and until then, breathable summer staples will continue to define my outfits.

— Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of subsides

Browse Nearby Words

numbness

numbs

numerable

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“Numbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbs. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of numbs

verb

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