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 Focus on branches that are likely to cause damage to your roof, then do more significant pruning in early spring when the tree is about to emerge from dormancy. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2026 Her investigative reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein case in 2018 broke the story open after a decade of dormancy. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026 Overall, top candidates for bare-root planting include deciduous fruit trees, roses, berry bushes, and hardy perennials, as these plants handle winter dormancy exceptionally well. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026 After this first infection, the virus enters a state of dormancy within pain-sensing neurons. — Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 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
  • And regardless of when that suspension comes, the new allegations are a black eye against Jacobs and the Packers by extension for continuing to support a player who carries an expanding list of domestic abuse allegations.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • In a news release, Kissimmee said Eady will serve as mayor until Espinosa’s suspension is revoked or the current mayoral term ends, whichever comes first.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • Max Murray, of North Liberty, staffed the station to help participants learn about inertia and motion.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Health care industry opposition and employer inertia have stymied wholesale changes over the past several decades, but the financial strain on workers and companies has made reform a priority.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • For you, what makes a hotel such a great keeper of that suspense?
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Its suspense extends beyond who will be caught to whether the institutions charged with protecting people can be trusted to deliver justice.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Clots can also be caused by inactivity, such as sitting on a long flight or being immobile after surgery.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
  • An injury can damage a vein, while prolonged inactivity slows blood flow.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 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
  • What signals has leadership sent—through action or inaction—about what is tolerated?
    — Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • No mandate for inaction Should Democrats win majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives in 2026, the issue of immigration is highly unlikely to be resolved.
    — Justin Gest, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of inaction

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dormancy
dormant
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Cite this Entry

“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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