Synonyms for

Numb

Verb / nʌm / Another word for numb — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

unable to feel anything in a particular part of your body or in your emotions

Synonyms & similar words

dead asleep dull benumbed benumb blunt unfeeling insensitive deadened frozen paralyzed torpid asleep stunned dull benumbed anesthetized unresponsive lifeless inactive immobile motionless unconscious lethargic apathetic indifferent

Synonyms by register

Formal

anesthetized insensate unfeeling

Informal

frozen dead out of it spaced out

Literary

stupefied bereft of sensation petrified

Antonyms

sensitive feeling responsive aware vivid lively perceptive

Common collocations

  • numb with cold
  • numb with fear
  • numb from the waist down
  • numb fingers
  • numb toes
  • go numb
  • feel numb
  • numb shock

Word family

verb numb
adjective numb
adverb numbly

Usage note

Numb can describe a physical lack of sensation or an emotional state of shock or apathy. It is often used with prepositions like 'with' or 'from' to indicate the cause.

Example sentences

  1. I couldn't move my arm because it was numb from the injection.
  2. After being in the cold water for so long, my toes were numb.
  3. The medicine made my mouth numb.
  4. The shock of the news left me numb for a moment.
  5. The cold wind made my face numb.

Quotes

  • I’m just numb, I can’t even feel my fingers anymore.
  • I don't know what it is to feel anymore, except numb.
  • The numbness of his emotions was both a blessing and a curse.

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