1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dormancy
Any pruning or repotting should be done during late winter and into spring, during dormancy before the buds begin to swell.
—
Derek Carwood,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2026
There were missteps for Arista along the way, including the Milli Vanilli fiasco of the late 1980s, but the label would become a destination where artists would revive their careers after commercial step-backs or dormancy.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
The island can downshift into a period of dormancy for a short while, before ramping up again to deal with the eight bells that sound in the finale’s closing scene.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
Winter months are discouraged as lemon trees are typically in a state of dormancy and should be left undisturbed.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Derek Carwood,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2026
There were missteps for Arista along the way, including the Milli Vanilli fiasco of the late 1980s, but the label would become a destination where artists would revive their careers after commercial step-backs or dormancy.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
The island can downshift into a period of dormancy for a short while, before ramping up again to deal with the eight bells that sound in the finale’s closing scene.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
Winter months are discouraged as lemon trees are typically in a state of dormancy and should be left undisturbed.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
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Since Ecuador lost, Hincapié will serve his red-card suspension during the team’s next international match.
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The report, released Tuesday, says the jury found that students with disabilities in the district face high rates of absenteeism and suspensions.
Noun
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Without this deliberate cultural shift, even the most elegant and expensive technical architecture will inevitably stall against the wall of organizational resistance and institutional inertia.
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Even at its peak, #MeToo felt seismic precisely because the movement was an aberration from the historical norm; nearly a decade later, that norm has reasserted itself with inertia on its side.
Noun
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The stage is set for unbelievable tension and suspense-building, and it's executed perfectly through Spielberg's directorial prowess with memorable scenes from raptors in the kitchen to a T-Rex in the toilet.
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The Internet has unintentionally killed the suspense for nearly everything, up to and including concerts.
Noun
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On the other hand, prolonged inactivity due to illness, immobilization or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bone loss.
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Both establishments received inactivity suspensions on June 10.
Noun
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Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.
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We cannot be cowed into quiescence.
Noun
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Is this meant to be a response to Ruthye’s accusation that her inaction has consequences?
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Healthcare has trained generations of leaders to avoid the visible mistake more than the invisible cost of inaction.
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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