paralysis

noun

pə-ˈra-lə-səs How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
Definition of paralysisnext
as in disability
complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body the car accident left one athlete with paralysis from the waist down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 paralysis Cookies, doughnuts, and ice cream struck me as too ubiquitous, all the more likely to lead to a paralysis of choice. — Sean Carlson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 The same paralysis shows up above the small-business level, too. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026 The emotionally wrenching case, marked by excruciating testimony and Clancy’s paralysis after a suicide attempt, has intensified scrutiny of maternal mental health and Massachusetts’ standard for criminal responsibility. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Symptoms, which can take up to two months to develop, may include headache, nausea and sore throat before progressing to hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, paralysis and coma. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
  1. disability
  2. impairment
  3. palsy
  4. weakness
Noun
  • The spokesperson stressed that the agency will still require Head Start programs to provide support for mental and physical health, family and disability services and school readiness preparation, as is mandated by federal law.
    — Maia Nehme, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Benefits are also rising because more people are claiming disability and incapacity benefits.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of disability
Noun
  • The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for Jacks to cover previous and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent impairment and loss of enjoyment of life.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The child developed spastic cerebral palsy and was believed to have cerebral visual impairment.
    — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of impairment
Noun
  • Havighorst, an executive director of institutional advancement at Prairie State College, was diagnosed with a form of CMT 2 1/2 years ago called heredity neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Other Live personalities have also opened up about various health occurrences this year, with the show’s longtime emcee and resident DJ, Déjà Vu, revealing in April that she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which causes facial paralysis.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026
Definition of palsy
Noun
  • On iPhone, Apple says the Passwords app automatically identifies common weaknesses, including passwords that are easy to guess or used multiple times.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Slowik, who was part of Miami’s offensive staff last season while working for McDaniel, is aware of what Wright and Gordon bring to the team, their strengths and weaknesses, and intends to cater the offense to those.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakness

Browse Nearby Words

parallels
paralysis
paralytic
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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paralysis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paralysis

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