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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Recent Examples of paralysis
Their bite can lead to rapid respiratory failure and paralysis without prompt medical treatment.
—
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Cobras are known for being highly venomous, and their bite can lead to rapid respiratory failure and paralysis.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
After being bitten, people may develop a rash, but if left untreated, symptoms can include fever, facial paralysis, arthritis, heart problems, dizziness, nerve pain, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and pain in the hands or feet, according to the CDC.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
On Friday, that paralysis appeared to be at an end as Iran and the US announced a reopening, prompting oil to plunge and vessels to rush for the crossing — only for the situation to rapidly unravel.
—Weilun Soon, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Cobras are known for being highly venomous, and their bite can lead to rapid respiratory failure and paralysis.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
After being bitten, people may develop a rash, but if left untreated, symptoms can include fever, facial paralysis, arthritis, heart problems, dizziness, nerve pain, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and pain in the hands or feet, according to the CDC.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
On Friday, that paralysis appeared to be at an end as Iran and the US announced a reopening, prompting oil to plunge and vessels to rush for the crossing — only for the situation to rapidly unravel.
—Weilun Soon, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
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Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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The Atlanta barber's case drew attention from lawmakers across Georgia and around the country as well as disability rights and immigration advocates, who said that Taylor suffered from medical neglect while in custody at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The verdict included $31 million in compensatory damages — $15 million for past mental anguish, $5 million for future mental anguish, $5 million for past impairment, $5 million for future impairment, and $1 million for past pain.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 May 2026
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Shortly after Alejandro's marathon, Ralph, who was 64, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease in 2015.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
10 May 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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The problem is having a setup around him that simultaneously platforms his strengths and covers for his weaknesses.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Israeli officials fear that lifting economic pressure – even partially – could stabilize the Iranian regime at a moment of weakness.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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