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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralysis
That matters in a Congress where coalition-building, legal acumen, and persistence are often the difference between progress and paralysis.
—
Joel Rubin, New York Daily News, 9 June 2026
Illian suffered from partial paralysis due to what family members said was an earlier gunshot wound to the neck.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
The condition is an unexplained but treatable neurological disorder that causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
In a small percentage of cases, the virus can invade the nervous system, causing coma, paralysis or death.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Joel Rubin, New York Daily News, 9 June 2026
Illian suffered from partial paralysis due to what family members said was an earlier gunshot wound to the neck.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
The condition is an unexplained but treatable neurological disorder that causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
In a small percentage of cases, the virus can invade the nervous system, causing coma, paralysis or death.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
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As an example, the suit pointed out that the ADA requires wheelchair-accessible spaces be dispersed throughout a venue so that people with disabilities may choose seating in a variety of locations comparable to those available to non-disabled attendees.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
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That's because federal law generally protects Social Security retirement, disability and survivor benefits from garnishment by most private creditors.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The driver, identified as Rivas, showed signs of impairment, state police alleged, and fled as troopers checked him out for a potential DWI arrest.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
-
Murekezi pleaded not guilty to all charges by reason of mental illness or cognitive impairment.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Back in 2024, Embiid battled the Knicks in a first-round playoff series months after left knee surgery and dealt with Bell’s palsy.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
4 May 2026
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Philadelphia will now play the New York Knicks in the second round, a rematch of a heated 2024 first-round series the Knicks won in six, during which Embiid played through Bell’s palsy.—
Sahil Kapur,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
Noun
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About 50% to 75% of people with NF2 will also develop benign tumors on the brain or along the spine, which can cause symptoms like pain, numbness and weakness.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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Set during World War II, the drama examines the mechanisms of collaboration under the Vichy regime through the lens of a man whose ambition and moral weakness lead him to become complicit in the persecution and deportation of Jews.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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