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

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 The amendment essentially asks political appointees to commit political career suicide while navigating a constitutional crisis — a recipe for paralysis and politicization when decisive action is needed most. Lynn Schmidt, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025 If left untreated, these infections can progress from the outer ear and lead to serious complications such as deafness, facial paralysis, or balance problems. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 Research from behavioral economics provides robust evidence that excessive options create decision paralysis and reduce overall market participation. Sajal Singh, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 In rare serious cases, the virus invades the nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), paralysis or death. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
  • Accessibility protections for passengers with disabilities.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • At least 30% of the cases stemmed from medical care — even when patients’ bills should have been covered by Medicaid, the public insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities.
    Rae Ellen Bichell, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement As for stress, a recent study in JAMA Network Open found that those who reported higher levels of stress were significantly more likely to develop cognitive impairment.
    Arianna Huffington, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That pain can cause temporary or permanent impairment, disrupting daily life.
    Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Symptoms can include a rash and flu-like symptoms, with some people going on to experience arthritis, facial palsy, pain, irregular heartbeats and other worsening symptoms.
    Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • The Emmy-winning composer died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles following an eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Clausen’s daughter told the Hollywood Reporter.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Though the Red Sox did shoot themselves in the foot with base-running, fielding and bunting failures in Game 2, thus costing them their shot at reaching the ALDS, Game 3 was a bit more representative of the Red Sox and their weaknesses.
    Michael Hurley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • However, other small business indicators show weakness.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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