as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
a succession of personal tragedies had benumbed him to all grief
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of benumb
Because both actors look like lumpish proletarian versions of Ingmar Bergman stars — Alma Pöysti, radiant yet benumbed, plays Ansa like a dish-towel Bibi Andersson, and Jussi Vatanen could be the schlump brother of Max von Sydow (with a dollop of Ryan Gosling).
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 May 2023
What’s destructive, and eventually benumbing, is the kitchen-sink clutter of fantasy, reality, wish-fulfillment and glib enchantment.
—Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 24 Jan. 2019
But her core insight into how even mediocrities can be institutionally benumbed and conscripted into heinous projects remains fertile.
—George Prochnik, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2018
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 May 2023
What’s destructive, and eventually benumbing, is the kitchen-sink clutter of fantasy, reality, wish-fulfillment and glib enchantment.
—Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 24 Jan. 2019
But her core insight into how even mediocrities can be institutionally benumbed and conscripted into heinous projects remains fertile.
—George Prochnik, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benumb
Verb
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Working with a sliding scale provider, as mentioned above, is another great way to reduce costs.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2025
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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Takahashi said this new report underscores how carbonated water impacts weight loss by promoting the sensation of fullness, which can reduce food intake and lower overall calorie consumption.—
Angelica Stabile,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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For a few moments, the noise from the notorious Philadelphia crowd — explosive and energetic and packed to the gills in its finest all-weather gear — dulled.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
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By the early Seventies injuries would begin to take a heavy toll on Law, the mind was still sharp, but the lightning reflexes had been dulled and the goals no longer came so easily.—
Sam Pilger,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Mavs will rely on Daniel Gafford to help blunt the impact of Lively’s loss.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Jan. 2025
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There is no sign that Elon Musk — the chief executive of Tesla and head of what Mr. Trump is calling the Department of Government Efficiency — is using his influence to blunt the attack on electric vehicles.—
Jack Ewing,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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April September March July Which president was the first to skip his successor’s swearing-in? Millard Filmore John Adams John Quincy Adams Donald Trump Which vice president was drunk during his inauguration (having imbibed whiskey to numb the pain from typhoid fever) and slurred his oath?—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
16 Jan. 2025
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Kathy Bates recalled numbing the pain of Oscar defeat alongside one of her longtime rivals, Meryl Streep, during her appearance on Dinner's on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Corporate philanthropy, too, has diminished, which is a particular problem in a city where business leaders once took pride in making generous contributions to the arts.—
David Allen Jenn Ackerman,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
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The new aid package swiftly follows Donald Trump's inauguration as president of the United States once more, and U.S. support for Ukraine could diminish soon.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, critics worry bringing minority parties into the majority tent weakens legislative scrutiny.—
Charlie Campbell,
TIME,
22 Jan. 2025
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Beijing has also been working to repair ties with American allies like Japan to try to weaken the security alliances forged by the Biden administration to constrain China.—
David Pierson,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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America’s morning television brightens the day but deadens the soul.—
Joel Golby,
airmail.news,
5 Oct. 2024
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One way of deadening the mind to distractions is by blowing opponents off the court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Happiness is something fans appear to be embracing on Erika these days, with the onslaught of social media negativity subsiding in favor of praise.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
15 Jan. 2025
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Following last year's devastating tornadoes and storms, insurance challenges are unlikely to subside anytime soon.—
Linh Ta,
Axios,
14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near benumb
Cite this Entry
“Benumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benumb. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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