1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
an utterly numbing class in statistics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in freezing
having a low or subnormal temperature
the numbing air of that wintry morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
wait for the medication to numb your mouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 numbing
Momo Chang, SFChronicle.com, 26 June 2020
Because watching people die in Alabama’s execution chamber is numbing, over time.
—John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al, 5 Mar. 2020
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 20 Mar. 2025
The launch acceleration was brain-numbing.
—James Morris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Adjective
While traditional malatang broth is made from bone broth and is spicy and numbing, several places also offer vegetarian broths and non-spicy broths.
—Momo Chang, SFChronicle.com, 26 June 2020
Because watching people die in Alabama’s execution chamber is numbing, over time.
—John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al, 5 Mar. 2020
Verb
Your healthcare provider will give you local anesthesia, usually by injecting a numbing medication into the toe.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 20 Mar. 2025
The launch acceleration was brain-numbing.
—James Morris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbing
Adjective
-
No more boring, irrelevant training modules—this is learning at the speed of work.—
Lisa Bodell,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Some of this may happen under cover of darkness, but much of it happens in the open, under cover of arcane technocracy or boring bureaucracy.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Remove dead foliage in the fall from herbaceous perennials and add mulch to protect the roots during freezing temperatures.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The video offers a glimpse at the company’s efforts to develop the Kuiper equipment, which has involved putting the dishes through various environmental tests, such as freezing temperatures.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This could ensure more consistent calls, reducing the controversy often seen in high-stakes games.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Conversely, by reducing the number of vehicles entering Manhattan, the initiative could dramatically transform the urban commuting experience.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
View 6 Images Reading and writing on regular tablets can be tiring for your eyes, which is where E Ink can help.—
Paul Ridden,
New Atlas,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Ultimately, many on the internet have identified this week as a particularly tiring one for Black K-pop fans.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
The relationship between Ye and Cole has been icy for some time.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In many regions, spring weather can fluctuate between cold and dry to warm and slightly humid.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
23 Apr. 2025
-
What To Know In most states, SNAP beneficiaries are able to purchase only cold foods for preparation at home, as well as snacks and drinks.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The tires also contain a sound-deadening foam that contributes to the Optiq’s quiet cabin.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Here was an invention no one had asked for, that promised to upend perfectly good industries while further deadening the American intellect and locking in place the political biases of post-Covid Biden-crats.—
Caroline Downey,
National Review,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The company reaffirmed plans to launch an affordable model in early 2025, but warned the production ramp could be slower than expected.—
Akash Sriram and Abhirup Roy,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Marie Collins, a survivor and safeguarding expert from Ireland who served on the commission in the early years, resigned in frustration at the slow pace of change.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Numbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbing. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share