PARALYZE Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

paralyze

verb

ˈper-ə-ˌlīz

Definition of paralyze

as in to cripple

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

as in to intimidate

to deprive of courage or confidence the school board is paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits for just about everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 paralyze Maintaining liquidity, giving them the ability to act immediately when others are paralyzed. — Bygabriel Shahin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The storm paralyzed the East Coast from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine and even some parts of Canada from March 12 to March 14. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026 Fear, like ignorance, shuts our eyes to and paralyzes our trust in God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and unfailing love for His children, whereas the understanding of God’s ever-present goodness removes the fear that generates suffering. — André Kisonga, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 The floating electronic device generates electromagnetic fields that temporarily paralyze jellyfish within range by targeting their pulsating locomotion. — New Atlas, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralyze

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralyze

Verb

Sanctions on remittance and food delivery apps could further cripple the island nation, María José Espinosa, executive director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas, said.

— Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026
As a result, teams across the league have become more wary about handing out big-money, long-term deals in free agency, as one mistake has the potential to cripple a franchise.

— Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of cripple

Verb

The parking at Krog Street Market can be intimidating, but there’s no need to try to navigate the valet or the small lot in the front of the market.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
The Oura Ring 4 has dropped to $399, cutting a cool $100 off the intimidating $499 list price.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026

Definition of intimidate

Verb

There's an apocryphal story about its creations; supposedly Kryptonite was invented so Superman's voice actor Bud Collyer could take vacations while the Man of Steel was incapacitated.

— James Grebey, Time, 26 June 2026
Airbus UpNext's DragonFly project is developing AI that manages complex emergencies autonomously when the crew is incapacitated.

— Tanya Eves, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of incapacitate

Verb

At the time of writing, as the Marine Traffic map shows, tanker traffic is barely moving through the Strait, and many ships, unable to obtain insurance or with their owners frightened at the level of risk involved, are refusing to advance.

— Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
But because the president has frightened Congress, Congress doesn’t raise its voice when the president puts his Albert Speer–like building project, or intends to, on Congress’s land.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

Should Hentges have chosen unemployment instead of a contract because the Giants play in San Francisco and their organization is terrified of people like Slusser?

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
While the Fourth of July can be a ton of fun, loud fireworks and firecrackers can terrify pets — and concern their owners.

— Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

The flow of dark traffic is one of the factors that helped explain why oil markets had weakened significantly by early June, together with a surge in exports from the US and pullback in buying by China.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026
But as several surveys have consistently indicated, optimism about our country's outlook has undeniably weakened.

— Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

There was one American flag sign lit, with some storefront decor gleaming red, white and blue, but the heat seemingly scared most away from celebrating July 4 before Saturday's big day.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Johnson says Monday was her first time on the Wild Mouse attraction; however, the experience did not scare her away from the park.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of scare

Browse Nearby Words

paralytic

paralyze

paralyzed

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“Paralyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralyze. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of paralyze

verb

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