NUMBS Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

numbs

verb

present tense third-person singular of numb

as in dulls

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling wait for the medication to numb your mouth

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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 numbs The slime of some species also numbs an attacker’s tongue, protecting them from predators. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026 This is the type of consistency that numbs fans from their love of the game. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles. — Outside, 10 Dec. 2025 Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater). — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for numbs

Verb

Monét sings prettily on both duets, but their conventionality dulls her shine.

— Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
Key Takeaways Airborne hydrogen sulfide dulls silver, so many pieces need regular cleaning.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of dulls

Verb

Billable hour pressure The billable hour is central to the business model of many law firms, but when AI significantly reduces the time lawyers spend sifting through and drafting documents, the economics are no longer so straightforward.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
It can also be equipped with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system that reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 70 percent to meet IMO Tier III regulations.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduces

Verb

Pyrad works by instantaneously thickening when exposed to fire, forming a char that diminishes heat exposure, extinguishes flames, and decreases the risk of third-degree burns.

— Derek Rose, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
By effectively raising the threshold in the playoffs, the NFL acknowledges that over-officiating diminishes the product and that marginal penalties should not decide its most important games.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminishes

Verb

The opinion blunts a major attack line Democrats have used, especially against Moody and Uthmeier.

— Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
But Democrats are celebrating the decision, which blunts some of the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year allowing more coordinated spending between parties and candidates.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of blunts

Verb

That’s in no small part because of a strong, brewing El Niño, which typically dampens Atlantic hurricanes with unfavorable wind conditions.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
The Science Behind The Concept Research indicates that music reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormone that impairs decision-making and dampens focus.

— Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of dampens

Verb

Chadchart said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials are working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Ideally, those refugees would remain in human care for years or even decades until the mussel invasion subsides.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of subsides

Browse Nearby Words

numbness

numbs

numerable

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“Numbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/numbs. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of numbs

verb

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