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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 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 The layoffs come as Ellison has been quietly rebuilding her business after several years of near-dormancy. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Those soil temperatures can soar above 85 degrees, which Horne says drops plants into a type of heat-protective dormancy—that means they’re focused on survival rather than growth. — Shelby Deering, Southern Living, 19 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
  • George, despite missing significant time because of a 25-game suspension for violating NBA drug policy, had a good season on both ends.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But in August, a Jackson County judge upheld Shurin’s order that Biscari get his job back, receive full back wages and benefits and serve a three-day suspension without pay.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • This medical inertia partly reflects the time lag involved in disseminating findings.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The idea is simply to reduce overall inertia and make an already manic machine even more eager to change direction (and even easier to lift the front wheel).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • Anticipation crescendos ahead of every season for the Minnesota Vikings, but this year’s opener offers extra suspense.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Inspired by an extraordinary true story, the film combines the suspense of a crime thriller with compelling young protagonists thrust into unimaginable circumstances.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Physical inactivity, including not walking enough, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health issues.
    — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Months of inactivity allow microbes, algae, barnacles and other invertebrates to colonize submerged surfaces.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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
  • The effect of inaction is especially acute among committed fans, as shown by Knight Foundation polling last year.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And that inaction is what turns otherwise manageable tax debt issues into long‑term financial stress.
    — Charles T. Almond III, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of inaction

Browse Nearby Words

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 20 Sep. 2026.

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