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
Relevance
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
Most polio infections don’t cause symptoms, and fewer than 1 in 100 infections result in paralysis.
—
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
But how do eels defy paralysis?
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Your sleep paralysis demon is begging you to read Herculine.
—Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
The condition causes sudden weakness or paralysis in muscles on one side of the face and is, in most cases, temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
But how do eels defy paralysis?
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Your sleep paralysis demon is begging you to read Herculine.
—Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
The condition causes sudden weakness or paralysis in muscles on one side of the face and is, in most cases, temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
-
The order also instructs IDPH to publish its own, accessible vaccine guidance to the public, support school vaccination efforts, and work with local health departments, community health centers, disability organizations, and rural providers to encourage vaccination on a larger scale statewide.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
-
There are, however, exceptions for students with disabilities who have individualized education programs.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Organizations are pioneering techniques and equipment that make climbing accessible to athletes with visual impairments, limb differences, and spinal cord injuries.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
9 Sep. 2025
-
If the fetus survives an early rubella infection, some babies are born with a constellation of birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome, which can include deafness, cataracts, congenital heart disease and neurodevelopmental impairment.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
8 Sep. 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
-
The addition of shutdown closer Jhoan Duran has turned their bullpen from a weakness into a roster strength.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The milestone marks a symbolic win for the blue-chip index, highlighting the market’s resilience despite tariff concerns and signs of weakness in the economy.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share