as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep
somnolence is likely to be the most typical and telling reaction to this novel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 somnolence
If successful, Murray wants the Senate to awake from its somnolence the past few months and years, having a free-flowing debate with lots of amendments considered.
—
Paul Kane, Anchorage Daily News, 27 July 2023
More little dramas are unfolding across South Korean boardrooms as activist investors become more assertive after a long period of somnolence.
—Jacky Wong, WSJ, 28 Mar. 2023
Carolyn Kuan doesn’t do somnolence.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2022
For me, that response is instantaneous somnolence.
—New York Times, 20 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for somnolence
Paul Kane, Anchorage Daily News, 27 July 2023
More little dramas are unfolding across South Korean boardrooms as activist investors become more assertive after a long period of somnolence.
—Jacky Wong, WSJ, 28 Mar. 2023
Carolyn Kuan doesn’t do somnolence.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2022
For me, that response is instantaneous somnolence.
—New York Times, 20 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for somnolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolence
Noun
-
In the short term, caffeine in coffee works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in promoting sleepiness.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Brighter recent light was also linked to lower sleepiness at any time of day, but this was strongest in the participants with the brightest light exposure during the day and who also had earlier bedtimes.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Antidepressant Medications Alcohol can worsen side effects of many antidepressant medications, including drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Dr Gonzalez-Fernandez recommends speaking to your primary physician to discuss short-term medications–such as promethazine (an antihistaminic that causes drowsiness) or over-the-counter melatonin aids—and referral to a specialist.—
Rebecca Fearn,
SELF,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That fatigue shows up in churn.—
Kolawole Samuel Adebayo,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Sometimes the quickest cure to outfit fatigue is simply adding a bright hue into the mix—below are 15 to consider.—
Fred Sahai,
Vogue,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
They’re combined with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic down alternative filling, creating a plush and luxurious sleeping experience that’s designed for back, side, and stomach sleepers.—
Megan Schaltegger,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
People with strong circadian rhythms are usually able to stick to regular times for sleeping and activity, even with schedule or season changes, experts say.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somnolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somnolence. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
