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
When asked why the bond market has not yet revolted against this debt accumulation, Dalio described a paralysis in Washington.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
In 1955, a manufacturing failure at Cutter Laboratories in Berkeley, California, produced batches of polio vaccine containing live virus, causing paralysis in dozens of children.
—Jake Scott, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
This can lead to extreme sickness, weakness, and even paralysis.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
In 1955, a manufacturing failure at Cutter Laboratories in Berkeley, California, produced batches of polio vaccine containing live virus, causing paralysis in dozens of children.
—Jake Scott, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
In 1955, a manufacturing failure at Cutter Laboratories in Berkeley, California, produced batches of polio vaccine containing live virus, causing paralysis in dozens of children.
—Jake Scott, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
This can lead to extreme sickness, weakness, and even paralysis.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
In 1955, a manufacturing failure at Cutter Laboratories in Berkeley, California, produced batches of polio vaccine containing live virus, causing paralysis in dozens of children.
—Jake Scott, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
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Rank has been a paraprofessional at the school for the past seven years, working one-on-one with students with disabilities.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
13 Jan. 2026
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The system features low-floor vehicles designed for easy boarding, along with audio and visual stop announcements and designated priority seating for seniors and riders with disabilities.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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During that period, sociologists viewed illness mostly as a deviation from normal functioning leading to impairments that require treatment.—
Jennifer Singh,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
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Defense attorney Dmitry Gorin, a former LA County prosecutor, said claiming insanity or mental impairment presents a major challenge for any defense team.—
Steve Futterman,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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According to John Hopkins Medicine, Bell’s palsy is a sudden paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles, usually on one side of the face.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
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Jackson, 84, was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in November for progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, a neurodegenerative condition.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The strengths and weaknesses are always shown in a game like this.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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According to the Mayo Clinic, CMS is caused by a gene change that results in muscle weakness, which worsens with physical activity.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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