1
as in numbed
lacking in sensation or feeling
I've been sitting in the same position for too long and now my feet are numb
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blank
not expressing any emotion
apparently in shock, he answered the police officer's questions with a numb expression on his face
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3
as in stoic
not feeling or showing emotion
years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn
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as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of numb
Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Goldberg asked, questioning if Americans had grown numb to Trump’s use of pardons.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2025
Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
That was a fine symbolic soundtrack for the numbing atmosphere after a game that epitomized a wretched stretch for the Royals — one that is threatening to define and derail a seemingly promising season.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Adjective
Human error is more likely when IT professionals are overwhelmed by alerts and false positives, causing teams to become numb to the noise.
—Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Goldberg asked, questioning if Americans had grown numb to Trump’s use of pardons.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2025
Verb
Most Trump pardons go to Republicans, but not all
The effect of Trump’s pardons, Niven said, is to undermine the government’s ability to prosecute corruption cases while also numbing the public to bad behavior by politicians.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
That was a fine symbolic soundtrack for the numbing atmosphere after a game that epitomized a wretched stretch for the Royals — one that is threatening to define and derail a seemingly promising season.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
Adjective
-
What once sat blank and unmoving begins to flow and creak and jerk beneath its own weight.—
Laura Poppick
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
-
Pinterest is flooded with soft-launch ideas: two plates on the dinner table, two silhouettes cast against a blank wall, two pairs of shoes sitting next to one another.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The wildcard: Swiatek, normally stoic and focused on the court, has occasionally seemed distracted or at odds with herself this season.—
Corey Seymour,
Vogue,
11 July 2025
-
Whether your preference is seaside towns, Olympic stadiums, stoic statues or artistic arches, Greece has plenty to fill your cellphone’s camera roll and offer you an unforgettable experience.—
Tracy Scott Forson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Even if the tree is far away from hard surfaces, exposed tree roots can dull and break lawn mower blades.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 July 2025
-
Like knives, can openers should not be washed in the dishwasher to avoid rusting and dulling the blades.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
These student-parents are balancing coursework with working full time, picking up their children from school and studying for long hours after their families are asleep.—
Rita Raichoudhuri,
Chicago Tribune,
23 July 2025
-
Sharon and Ozzy were asleep in the back of the tour bus.—
Erik Hedegaard,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Soft yet sturdy, linen bags like this are durable enough to hold a laptop, books, and other travel essentials, yet they can be tucked into your pocket when empty.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
-
Your thoughtful disagreement creates stronger relationships than empty praise.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.—
Josh Wood,
The Courier-Journal,
23 July 2025
-
As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
26 July 2025
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Studies have shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.—
Michiko Tomioka,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
But with an apathetic fan base, securing donations for a capital project was a non-starter, especially when name, image and likeness funding is paramount toward recruiting and retaining quality athletes.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Polls have shown that many Mexicans are both skeptical and apathetic— and have no idea whom to favor among the vast array of mostly unknown contenders, some with links to organized crime.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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