1
as in unconscious
lacking animate awareness or sensation the belief that God is immanent in all things, even insensate objects

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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 insensate The brain, like other internal organs, is insensate, its lack of sensory receptors attested by videos of virtuoso violinists who play on unfazed as neurosurgeons go to work inside their skulls. Matthew Ponsford, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024 But states have used midazolam alone — and at much higher doses — in executions since 2013, claiming the drug will render people insensate to pain before the administration of other lethal injection drugs. Lauren Gill, ProPublica, 29 Apr. 2023 Jerome Powell and his Federal Reserve colleagues are hardly insensate to the risk that their inflation-fighting actions might bring Mr. Trump back to power. Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 14 June 2022 Realigning themselves with sophomoric virtues, the stars sell their souls in accommodation to the insensate new era. Armond White, National Review, 28 Oct. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insensate
Adjective
  • During his new stand-up special, Jamie tearfully recounts his medical emergency that left him being unconscious for 20 days and waking up in a wheelchair.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 2 June 2025
  • Authorities found the vehicle’s driver unconscious and not breathing, police said.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • As with everything Banksy, siting and context are chief among the avenues of investigation into the man’s intent and into his his hilariously ruthless nocturnal execution of his art.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The ruthless, physical Panthers will get a strong Oilers squad, with Ekholm back on the back end, Skinner emphatically taking back his net from Calvin Pickard, and both McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on top of their games.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Still, what separates living, breathing beings from inanimate matter remains frustratingly set in my mind.
    Elizabeth Rush, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
  • Even an inanimate sculpture representing a Black woman gets hit with stereotypical projections.
    Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Heat’s roller-coaster season has come to a merciless end.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • This time, his assignment takes him to Serbia, as he is tasked with assassinating the merciless General Mile Valstoria (Peter Linka).
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tabo turns, in his mother’s eyes, into a cold and unfeeling stone.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • So much modern football is mechanical and unfeeling; Joao Felix is loose and breezy.
    Jack Lang, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Her stony expression at this news indicates that Peter should maybe sleep with one eye open.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 22 May 2025
  • The complexities of her character mirrored in her stony, resentful stare, in her grim, unforgiving mouth, will always baffle and enthrall.
    E.R. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our hearts are with her, her family, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 May 2025
  • Despite industry claims, nonessential (tourist and commuter) helicopters contribute little to the local economy, and the impact to tax-paying residents of noise and air pollution, the reduction of property values, and the senseless and avoidable loss of life, has a far higher cost.
    Eric Katzman, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The film has much to say about the callous nature of Iran in just throwing anyone in jail with no viable reason.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • Bobby is clearly in crisis and their disregard not only comes across as callous but strongly suggests a troubling home life.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insensate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insensate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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