palsy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpal-zē How to pronounce palsy (audio)
Definition of palsynext
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest the salesman changed his palsy attitude when he realized that I wasn't buying

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

palsy

2 of 2

noun

ˈpȯl-zē How to pronounce palsy (audio)
as in paralysis
complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body palsy can sometimes be caused by a brain injury

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 palsy
Adjective
His health had been in decline for years due to progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026 As researchers work toward more accurate diagnoses and treatment, patients can have more hope to alleviate the devastating consequences of progressive supranuclear palsy. — Jose Abisambra, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
Since receiving her diagnosis, Weedman’s Bell’s palsy has been written into her characters on Hacks, Abbot Elementary and Sirens. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 Jackson died in February at the age of 84 following a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a condition similar to Parkinson's disease. — CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palsy
  1. warm
  2. paralysis
  3. friendly
  4. gracious
  5. merry
Adjective
  • Gigi Hadid broke out the trend in corduroy pants form, which is perfectly seasonal with soft and warm fabric paired with a relaxed design.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The fleeting time in Georgia between the sweltering summer heat and damp winter chill has finally arrived, featuring cool mornings, warm evenings and trees dappled with orange leaves.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of warm
Noun
  • In Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Anders Danielsen Lie stars as the eponymous jazz piano legend in the 10 days after bassist Scott LaFaro’s sudden death, as grief, addiction and creative paralysis threaten to silence one of jazz’s great innovators.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The idea is that, although their paralysis blocks the neural signals from reaching their muscles, those signals are still generated in the brain.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of paralysis
Adjective
  • Buoyed by a $50 million donation from Griffin and charter-friendly politicians in Tallahassee, Success Academy is set to take full advantage.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • That sentiment has certainly resonated with the Concord community, a family-friendly Charlotte suburb where the restaurant has taken off.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • In This Article There are occasions that call for heirloom china and sparkling crystal, but a truly gracious host knows that the most enjoyable gatherings aren’t necessarily the ones with the finest things, but rather, a relaxed environment.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Elegant and gracious Parisians turned Florentines, the Marcianos were my generous hosts for a long weekend in the Tuscan capital.
    — Matt Ortile, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • As the holiday season quickly approaches, Central Florida has no shortage of ways to feel merry and bright.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Festive treats, cheery decor, and a few very-merry gift ideas—all at a bargain.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of merry

Browse Nearby Words

pals (around)
palsy
palsy-walsy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palsy. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on palsy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about palsy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
speech-bubble-untangle
Simplify The Convoluted Expression Quiz A quiz that’s as “uncomplicated as a round de...
See All