1
as in crippling
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
a blizzard paralyzed the city for two days
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frightening
to deprive of courage or confidence
the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paralyzing
That conflict of interest was paralyzing when the state auditor worked for the governor and Cabinet instead of for the Legislature.
—
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
After her oxygen level reached a hundred per cent, the nurse delivered paralyzing medication.
—Ayesha Khan, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Classical attacks on bureaucracy center on the paralyzing effects of rigid institutional structures.
—Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Uncertainty about tariffs is paralyzing businesses who are unsure whether to hire and invest.
—David Goldman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
His administration’s trade policy has also been marked by flip-flopping and delays, with the resulting uncertainty paralyzing businesses, which are unsure whether to hire and invest.
—Olesya Dmitracova, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
That can have the effect of paralyzing the Fed, preventing officials from moving interest rates higher or lower.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
While heavy gunfire was paralyzing Haiti’s capital in late February, a man using a fake name approached a 45-foot cargo container parked in a Fort Lauderdale lot.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
Economic uncertainty is paralyzing business leaders.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
After her oxygen level reached a hundred per cent, the nurse delivered paralyzing medication.
—Ayesha Khan, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Classical attacks on bureaucracy center on the paralyzing effects of rigid institutional structures.
—Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Uncertainty about tariffs is paralyzing businesses who are unsure whether to hire and invest.
—David Goldman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
His administration’s trade policy has also been marked by flip-flopping and delays, with the resulting uncertainty paralyzing businesses, which are unsure whether to hire and invest.
—Olesya Dmitracova, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
That can have the effect of paralyzing the Fed, preventing officials from moving interest rates higher or lower.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
While heavy gunfire was paralyzing Haiti’s capital in late February, a man using a fake name approached a 45-foot cargo container parked in a Fort Lauderdale lot.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
Economic uncertainty is paralyzing business leaders.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyzing
Verb
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This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in how the rule is applied, potentially undermining the fairness of the game.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Critics argue that billionaire owners could censor critical commentary, undermining journalism's role in holding power accountable.—
Flynn Nicholls,
Newsweek,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Relapse is alluring, Bart is intimidating, and Son is mysterious.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
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While the market’s recent volatility can be intimidating, experts generally recommend investors focus on their long-term goals.—
Ana Teresa Solá,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Electricity pylons were hit in the fighting, disabling the water pumps that relied on the electrical grid.—
Emmet Livingstone,
The Dial,
20 Mar. 2025
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Ensure Play Protect is enabled and don’t be lured into disabling it to enable an app to install.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paralyzing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyzing. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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