1
as in slumber
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself
neither of them has been getting much sleep since the baby was born
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in death
the state of being dead
a grieving widower longing to join his beloved wife in her eternal sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fate
the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities
regretfully put their terminally ill dog to sleep
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to rest
to be in a state of sleep
the baby slept for the entire length of the car trip found the night watchman sleeping at his post
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sleep
Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 June 2025
In other words, for reasons still not fully understood, the robot’s yawn may have activated a biological response in the chimpanzees that led them to associate the gesture with sleep or rest.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 June 2025
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
My cats have improved my sleeping schedule, something everyone knows is essential to better recovery and running efficacy.
—Mallory Arnold, Outside Online, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleep
Noun
Wendt died peacefully in his sleep while at home on May 20, according to a family representative.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 June 2025
In other words, for reasons still not fully understood, the robot’s yawn may have activated a biological response in the chimpanzees that led them to associate the gesture with sleep or rest.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 June 2025
Verb
Though compact, the main room is large enough to use as a general seating area, an office, or a workshop, while the smaller sectioned room can be utilized as a storage space, a small bathroom, or even a cozy sleeping nook—but that’s not all.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
My cats have improved my sleeping schedule, something everyone knows is essential to better recovery and running efficacy.
—Mallory Arnold, Outside Online, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleep
Noun
-
For those now waking up from a deep slumber, a Real ID is an enhanced form of identification that allows access to commercial airline flights.—
Frank Fellone,
Arkansas Online,
16 May 2025
-
The temperatures here have put them in a deep slumber intended to preserve them for the ages.—
Katarina Zimmer,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
-
Some shook their legs nervously, others gave death glares to folks with the misfortune of sitting on creaky chairs.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Fallout from President Trump’s break with Elon Musk is roiling a Republican Party that was already divided over the fate of the president’s landmark legislation.—
Michael Wilner,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
-
Once those clips went viral, the 27-year-old’s fate was apparently sealed.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Orlando rested its best offensive weapons after their return from international duty, opting to save them for the second half instead.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
-
The victory put to rest the bad memories of her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek when, as an 18-year-old, Gauff felt overwhelmed even before stepping onto Court Philippe-Chatrier.—
Jerome Pugmire,
Baltimore Sun,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Momentum breeds momentum: each successful float provides price discovery that the next issuer can cite, widening the aperture a little more.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
While some cat breeds, such as rag dolls or Maine coons, are considered more sociable, the researchers did not examine differences in behavior based on breed.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Place the tallest plants at the back of the bed, with the shortest in front.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
-
Add step stools with handrails by beds and in closets.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
As Joel talks to Ellie, a different solemn moment unfolds in Salt Lake City, where the young survivors of Joel’s Firefly massacre bury their dead and try to figure out what happened.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
-
However, because the Romans cremated their dead for many years, archaeologists have not found many gladiator bodies.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While some may still resist the demise of relatable Season 1 Shauna, both Lynskey and Nélisse relish the chance to explore her descent further as Showtime’s just renewed the series for Season 4.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
27 May 2025
-
Republicans might also remember that the 1798 restrictions on free speech/press played an important role in the election of President Jefferson and the effective demise of the Federalist Party.—
John A. Ragosta,
Baltimore Sun,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sleep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleep. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share