hebetude

noun

ˈhe-bə-ˌtüd How to pronounce hebetude (audio)
Definition of hebetudenext
as in boredom
physical or mental inertness faced with a class forever enveloped in a miasma of apathy and intellectual hebetude, the professor had little hope of kindling an interest in medieval European history

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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 hebetude The leaden weight of an irremediable idleness descended upon General Feraud, who having no resources within himself sank into a state of awe-inspiring hebetude. — Ruth Walker, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hebetude
  1. boredom
  2. lethargy
  3. stupor
Noun
  • This isn't mere boredom, but chronic exhaustion from performing work employees know is meaningless and potentially automatable, yet cannot openly question.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Swashbuckling and romantic, this story will chase away any signs of summer boredom.
    — Toby Rose, Parents, 30 June 2026
Definition of boredom
Noun
  • More severe signs of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, the loss of the ability to stand, confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea.
    — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Symptoms include fatigue, excessive panting, disorientation, lethargy, discomfort, collapse and seizures.
    — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of lethargy
Noun
  • But Supergirl doesn’t quite want to deal with the immensity of its protagonist’s feelings; her drunken stupor is often played for laughs, defined by disheveled hair, big sunglasses, and plenty of slurred speech.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
  • But now, the Outback appears to be out of its stupor.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 June 2026
Definition of stupor

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heavyweights
hebetude
heck
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“Hebetude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hebetude. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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