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
For new wood bloomers, prune during dormancy before new growth begins.
—
Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 29 May 2026
The answer is that dim residential lighting, at intensities typical of a porch light, suppresses mosquito dormancy more powerfully than even urban warming does.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
After 10 years of dormancy, the desert explodes with color, attracting visitors and pollinators alike.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
For No Doubt, the Sphere residency comes in the wake of a long period of relative dormancy.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 29 May 2026
The answer is that dim residential lighting, at intensities typical of a porch light, suppresses mosquito dormancy more powerfully than even urban warming does.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
After 10 years of dormancy, the desert explodes with color, attracting visitors and pollinators alike.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
For No Doubt, the Sphere residency comes in the wake of a long period of relative dormancy.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
Just for good measure, Trump’s Agriculture Department almost simultaneously ended a temporary suspension of Mexican cattle imports after screwworms were spotted making a dash for Texas.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
12 June 2026
-
Draymond Green got tangled with LeBron James and hit him in the groin, later earning Green a retroactive flagrant foul and an avoidable suspension for Game 5.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Any longer than that, the robot may not be able to make the necessary avoidance adjustments due to inertia.—
Lee-Lean Shu,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Not through sabotage, but through inertia.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The obvious parallel is with another massive underdog, Gray Davis, who also came from far behind to win the last time a gubernatorial primary held this level of uncertainty and suspense.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
-
Levinson has fun drawing out the suspense at the border and with the DEA raid.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Addressing even one or two of the biggest factors, particularly smoking and physical inactivity, measurably changes the trajectory.—
Allison Palmer
June 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
-
That includes closing costs, minimum withdrawal requirements, annual fees or inactivity fees.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
28 May 2026
-
We cannot be cowed into quiescence.—
Brian Kolp,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Rights groups say Bedouin herding communities are especially vulnerable as settlers seize remote land and outposts multiply, while new Israeli laws tighten control over Palestinians and critics fault global powers for inaction.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Palm also criticized lawmakers for their inaction on addressing issues within the program that have been known for years.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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