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
In late spring, when the trees have donned their leafy canopies, the ephemerals return to dormancy instead of struggling to grow in deep shade.
—
Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026
But by the early 2000s, Echinus slowly dwindled into dormancy.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Unclaimed funds fall into a dormancy period, usually consisting of up to five years in some states.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2026
Consistent cold temperatures in winter will keep most plants in dormancy, but when temperatures are mild and fluctuate, tender plant parts can become damaged.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026
But by the early 2000s, Echinus slowly dwindled into dormancy.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Unclaimed funds fall into a dormancy period, usually consisting of up to five years in some states.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2026
Consistent cold temperatures in winter will keep most plants in dormancy, but when temperatures are mild and fluctuate, tender plant parts can become damaged.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
Luka Doncic had 41 points and eight rebounds while also picking up his suspension-triggering 16th technical foul during the Los Angeles Lakers ' 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Pappas is arguing for a suspension of the federal gas tax as prices top $4 per gallon during the war.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Larger tires increase rotational inertia and lengthen the lever arm between hub and road, forcing the braking system to work harder.—
Bryan Rogala,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The only thing that could work against it at this point is inertia—and enthusiasm for Sinners, a smash hit that picked up the most Oscar nominations this year and seems to engender a similar amount of love in the room at every industry event.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But what else is there to be said about a game devoid of suspense and that did nothing to abate fears that the Padres’ starting pitching will be its Achilles.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Despite the issues with the production, namely the too-tame suspense at times, this is a sharp cast of veterans.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Warming temperatures from climate change will likely lead to high levels of physical inactivity in the future, which could have significant public health implications.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
23 Mar. 2026
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Chloé Farand summed it up for the Guardian, noting the researchers’ projection of 500,000 additional annual deaths due to inactivity by 2050.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
We cannot be cowed into quiescence.—
Brian Kolp,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
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This is a region of gravitational quiescence about a million miles from Earth, where ESCAPADE will linger for a year awaiting a more favorable alignment between Earth and Mars.—
Morgan McFall-Johnsen,
Scientific American,
13 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But the Fed’s inaction could be good news for savers, Schulz said.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Resignation or inaction are not acceptable responses.—
J. Xavier Prochaska,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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