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 After years of dormancy, Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome is officially getting a new owner. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 Depending on the time of year, that may take several weeks—or even a few months if the plant was purchased during winter dormancy. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026 The eggs enter dormancy and survive the winter, restarting the cycle the following year. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Flower Beds, Perennials, and Ornamentals Many plants are going through their summer dormancy, just like us, waiting for the heat to break. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 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
  • However, this gets an all-new rear suspension with leaf springs; that setup allows for a greater payload than a typical torsion beam axle.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Assembly proposal includes docking the bonus packages of not just the CEO, but other top executives, and extending the bonus suspension from one to two years, Bryan said.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • The Torcal’s response on-center is deliberately somewhat muted, progressing as the driver turns the wheel, helping maintain the illusion that the Torcal’s mere inertia is sufficient to carry it through irregularities in the path ahead.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The air temperature did not change much, probably due to the thermal inertia of the surrounding water.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • But Gareth Fry’s thundering, rumbling sound design too often oversells the suspense.
    — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The only suspense is around a youngster like Armstead, who has had a good camp.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Months of inactivity allow microbes, algae, barnacles and other invertebrates to colonize submerged surfaces.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • By adolescence, physical inactivity is already common, with only 20-26% of teens reporting meeting physical activity guidelines.
    — Sadiya S. Khan, Time, 16 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 organizations that waited on cybersecurity were more likely to find that the cost of inaction far exceeded the cost of preparation.
    — Rhett Alden, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Evan Curbeam, 29, was found dead near Fells Point in 2013; his father publicly criticized the city’s inaction the following year.
    — Joseph V. Sakran, Baltimore Sun, 15 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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