numb 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnəm How to pronounce numb (audio)
Definition of numbnext
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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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not feeling or showing emotion years of physical and emotional abuse had rendered the woman numb and withdrawn

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numb

2 of 2

verb

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

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 numb
Adjective
Spector is clearly concerned with the pernicious consequences of technology, its ability to numb emotions and steer people into ideological cul-de-sacs. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 Relationships often suffer as people withdraw or feel emotionally numb. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
SeriousFun research shows that the experiences have transformed millions of lives, helping to numb the trauma, alleviate some pain and, quite simply, give these kids their childhoods back. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 Applying pressure with a cold, damp cloth or an ice pack can temporarily numb the itch and reduce swelling. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for numb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numb
  1. numbed
  2. blank
  3. stoic
  4. dull
  5. asleep
  6. empty
  7. calm
  8. reduce
Adjective
  • When Bill’s older brother Henry (Barry Ward) finds the pianist in numbed solitude in his dingy apartment, Bill has canceled all his upcoming gigs, saying Scotty cannot be replaced.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Ingber also notes the numbed response to these strikes from much of the American public, something that, in part, may come from the routine nature of these drone strikes as something that the nation has become desensitized to dropping bombs on enemies.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of numbed
Adjective
  • The right side holds all the buttons, including the volume rocker and power key, leaving the left side completely blank.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The listing presents the land as a blank canvas, but the property’s existing residences and utilities mean a buyer would not be starting from scratch.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of blank
Adjective
  • The action star has been honing his tough, stoic hero bit for going on 25 years.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Did her grandmother, who comes across as stoic and pragmatic in many ways, influence her portrayal of the similarly-minded Tova?
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of stoic
Verb
  • The sparkle in her eyes had dulled and her smile seemed forced.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Note that cold temperatures can dull the flavor and make the tomatoes slightly mealy, so try to use them within a few days when possible.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Hickerson was said to have been asleep in a bedroom at the time.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Haleigh’s friend Brittney Ketchum was asleep when her phone rang.
    — Dateline NBC, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of asleep
Adjective
  • After coming up empty all night, the Angels finally broke the scoreless tie in the eighth.
    — Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The luxury pods — complete with lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors — could be entirely off-limits when departure day rolls around, sitting completely empty at 35,000 feet.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of empty
Adjective
  • But the calm day gave way to terror when her uncle again looked out into the ocean and saw Summer’s head bobbing in and out of the water.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Silvia looks calm, his eyes open and head propped up slightly as Hood prayed furiously over him.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of calm
Verb
  • The South in particular faces higher rates of obesity and other health challenges that have further reduced the pool of eligible recruits and contributed to higher injury rates during basic training, according to service data.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The historic supply shock has also been softened by other factors, including alternative export routes out of the Gulf, China reducing its oil imports, the United States increasing production and drawdowns from global oil stockpiles.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce

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Cite this Entry

“Numb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numb. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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