Definition of paralysisnext
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

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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 paralysis Six of the patients that van Nunen had treated for the meat allergy remembered being bitten by a paralysis tick. Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 While most people who get infected with WNV have no symptoms, one in 150 may develop more serious illnesses like brain inflammation, paralysis or death. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 28 June 2026 The sociologist Max Weber foresaw the paralysis of this bureaucratization that is now unleashing a rising fury against democracy itself. Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 His son developed Bell's palsy, a sudden paralysis on one side of the face, but recovered quickly after a course of oral antibiotics. Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
  • Elderly people and those with disabilities are less able to avoid rodents, especially at night.
    Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • The program supports people with limited income who are blind, age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability.
    Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit emphasizes that the rule could force doctors to make complex work impairment assessments and lead to eligible individuals losing vital healthcare, shifting costs and confusion onto states.
    Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • After observing signs of impairment, the officers arrested the driver, the state patrol says.
    Katie Meyers, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Philadelphia will now play the New York Knicks in the second round, a rematch of a heated 2024 first-round series the Knicks won in six, during which Embiid played through Bell’s palsy.
    Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Furthermore, companies tend to have an easier time outperforming consensus sales growth estimates during periods of US dollar weakness.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • This helps nourish and protect hair from external aggressors like UV damage and pollution, which can cause weakness and buildup.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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