PARALYSES Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

paralysis

noun

pə-ˈra-lə-səs

Definition of paralysis

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 In rare cases, the virus can cause serious health problems like swelling of the brain or spinal cord or paralysis. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 Such legislative paralysis could derail Zambia’s debt default recovery, analysts said. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 Continuing to prioritize top-down elections will only reproduce the same paralysis, corruption and insecurity that have brought Haiti to this point. — José Singer, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 Other Live personalities have also opened up about various health occurrences this year, with the show’s longtime emcee and resident DJ, Déjà Vu, revealing in April that she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which causes facial paralysis. — Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis

Noun

According to the California Department of Rehabilitation, encouraging independent living among people with disabilities is a philosophy that emphasizes their agency and empowers them to take charge of their care.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Among the items on the chopping block are requirements to conduct screenings for kids with disabilities, keep class sizes small, help children brush their teeth daily and mandate monitors on school buses.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of disability

Noun

If left untreated, these mild impairments and declines could lead to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

— Eric Cerino, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
Authorities said Romo displayed signs of impairment, performed poorly on field sobriety tests and refused a preliminary breath test.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of impairment

Noun

Other Live personalities have also opened up about various health occurrences this year, with the show’s longtime emcee and resident DJ, Déjà Vu, revealing in April that she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which causes facial paralysis.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026
Back in 2024, Embiid battled the Knicks in a first-round playoff series months after left knee surgery and dealt with Bell’s palsy.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

Definition of palsy

Noun

And Japan’s use of the Fed’s Foreign and International Monetary Authorities Repo Facility is actually a sign of dollar strength rather than weakness.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Evidence points to much of the monthly weakness being related to the end of major events, including the World Cup and America 250.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakness

Browse Nearby Words

parallels

paralysis

paralytic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of paralysis

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on paralysis

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

baptism of fire

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes