dormancy

noun

ˈdȯr-mən(t)-sē How to pronounce dormancy (audio)
Definition of dormancynext
1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inertia
lack of action or activity a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action

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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 dormancy Overall, top candidates for bare-root planting include deciduous fruit trees, roses, berry bushes, and hardy perennials, as these plants handle winter dormancy exceptionally well. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026 After this first infection, the virus enters a state of dormancy within pain-sensing neurons. — Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026 June-bearing strawberries produce a large crop of berries in early summer and then enter a state of dormancy and stop fruiting entirely. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026 The administration has resumed strikes after months of dormancy. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
  1. suspension
  2. inertia
  3. suspense
  4. inactivity
  5. quiescence
  6. inaction
Noun
  • Equally responsible for this Bentley’s milestone handling are the Supersports’ electronic limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering, suspension aided by a 48-volt active anti-roll bar, and enormous carbon-silicon-carbide brakes.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026
  • If a violation is found, schools can impose sanctions up to suspension or expulsion, and both parties have the right to appeal.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • As for whether the report helps prompt change or becomes yet another weighty academic doorstop, that remains to be seen at City Hall, where entrenched political power often combines with bureaucratic inertia to stifle innovation.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The researchers also focused on reducing the robot’s effective inertia, a property that describes how strongly an object resists changes in its motion.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • To be fair, the fault here lies equally with the scripts, which dump information without first creating suspense.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The holiday atmosphere can provide an extra element of suspense when done right, as in these four notable films.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Clots can also be caused by inactivity, such as sitting on a long flight or being immobile after surgery.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
  • An injury can damage a vein, while prolonged inactivity slows blood flow.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of inactivity
Noun
  • Black liberation, no matter how distinct in its language, history, and practice, cannot be absent from any discussion of historical quiescence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
  • Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of quiescence
Noun
  • Over time, that inaction would collaborate with corporate media and far-right media to gloss over the horrors of the coup with a peaceful sheen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Giants appeared to make some kind of point with Skattebo’s inaction.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of inaction

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dormancies
dormancy
dormant
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Cite this Entry

“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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