1
as in to cripple
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intimidate
to deprive of courage or confidence
the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralyze
Both are Army veterans who were paralyzed in training exercises years ago.
—
Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Jonson was forced to send lawmakers home early for August recess last week, after efforts by Massie and Democrats to force the release of the files paralyzed the House.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Taiwan has been paralyzed by a political gridlock, with disagreements in parliament turning into brawls at times, hampering Lai’s ability to push forward agenda items, including those that address key US concerns over Taiwan.
—Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Focusing Only On What’s Happening Now Uncertainty paralyzes innovation.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Jonson was forced to send lawmakers home early for August recess last week, after efforts by Massie and Democrats to force the release of the files paralyzed the House.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Taiwan has been paralyzed by a political gridlock, with disagreements in parliament turning into brawls at times, hampering Lai’s ability to push forward agenda items, including those that address key US concerns over Taiwan.
—Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Focusing Only On What’s Happening Now Uncertainty paralyzes innovation.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paralyze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyze
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Verb
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If you're intimidated by orange, Dior's Rouge Dior Lipstick in 200 Nude Touch is a great starter shade with a beautiful warm undertone, as is Fenty Beauty's Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Noodz & Dudez.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 Aug. 2025
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Following his arrest, law enforcement learned that Reardon called the Israeli Consulate in Boston 98 times between Oct. 7, 2023 and Jan. 29, 2024, and made harassing and intimidating statements.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Now in her 21st year in office, Howard recalled the warmth and support that came her way in 2019 from her House colleagues when her husband was stricken with the incapacitating illness that would claim his life the following year.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The woman said she was incapacitated after a night of heavy drinking and was unable to give consent.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Most give up halfway, frightened by the warnings of those below.—
Sudhir Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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While the notion might frighten fans who have Thursday nights perpetually blocked off on their calendars, shorter episodes could prove beneficial in giving the Critical Role founders a little bit of a break.—
Dana Reboe,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Trump’s suggestion of easing economic restrictions has drawn sharp criticism from European allies, who warn that any premature normalization could undermine the unified Western stance on sanctions and harm Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
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Israeli authorities have stated that Chinese involvement in missile development or supply could directly undermine Israel's defense efforts.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Kate Riley: Despondently stalking up and down avenues of Manhattan, scheming of ways to acquire food without paying for it, alienating and terrifying everyone who cared about me, trying to invent toys.—
Teddy Wayne
August 12,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
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Autumn Rodman/Reddit At that moment, Rodman was terrified.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But Goolsbee said Trump’s immigration crackdown likely has affected population growth and the jobs numbers, but that doesn’t mean the labor market has substantially weakened.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
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This means banana particles can remain between teeth for an extended period, giving bacteria more time to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel.14 6.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Some, scared off by the complexity of picking a policy and by the price tags, tumble over the edge and go without insurance in a health system where the rate for an emergency room visit can be thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars.—
Elisabeth Rosenthal,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
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Effectively scaring a bear also reinforces the person as dominant in an encounter, so the bear learns to avoid people.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyze. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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