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numb

3 synonyms and 2 antonyms for numb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

Antonyms

How to use numb

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

numb with shock go numb numb the pain

Etymology

From the old past form of the verb "nim" ("to take" or "to seize"); the silent "b" was added later and was never actually pronounced.

Full origin of numb →

Frequently asked questions

What does “numb” mean?

The word “numb” means unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve. In plain terms, not able to feel anything, whether that's in your body (like a foot that's fallen asleep) or emotionally.

How do you pronounce “numb”?

“Numb” is pronounced nuhm (/nʌm/ in IPA).

How do you use “numb” in a sentence?

Here is “numb” used in a sentence: “Her fingers went numb in the freezing wind.”

What is the opposite of “numb”?

The opposite of “numb” — its antonyms — are sensible and sensitive.

What part of speech is “numb”?

Depending on how it is used, “numb” can be an adjective and a verb.

Is “numb” a common word?

“Numb” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “numb” have?

“Numb” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.