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 Together, these approaches transformed the fight against a disease that once caused widespread paralysis and outbreaks, particularly among children. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 People with analysis paralysis overthink their options, over-research, and second-guess their first instincts. — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026 In more severe cases (hypermagnesemia), muscle paralysis can occur. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026 In 2020, Kennedy suffered a severe spinal cord injury that caused long-term paralysis and significant health obstacles. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
  1. disability
  2. impairment
  3. palsy
  4. weakness
Noun
  • The space will serve as a platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents, express their creativity and build confidence while bringing families, supporters and community members together, the release said.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Brain tissue that is deprived of oxygen can be permanently damaged, resulting in long-term disability or death.
    — Diane Webber, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of disability
Noun
  • At the same time, Blumenreich said an individual could have a moderate size stroke in the part of the brain that doesn’t cause as significant impairments.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Among other children needing palliative care, about 18% are living with complications from prematurity, roughly 16% suffer from congenital malformations, and about 16% are dealing with injuries leading to severe neurologic impairment.
    — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 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
  • Uruguay's secularism has roots in the weakness of its colonial church.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Google DeepMind researchers have used AI agents to discover cryptographic techniques that expose weaknesses in legacy RSA encryption up to 1,600 times faster than previous methods.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paralysis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paralysis

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