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 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 Providing your lawn with extra water during times of heat and drought can help prevent some browning and dormancy, but ultimately, cool-season grasses will naturally go dormant in high temperatures. — The Spruce, 25 June 2026 There were missteps for Arista along the way, including the Milli Vanilli fiasco of the late 1980s, but the label would become a destination where artists would revive their careers after commercial step-backs or dormancy. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 June 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
  • Ground clearance ranges from 220mm to 310mm, depending on specification, while the optional DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic suspension system increases its wading ability to 790mm.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The Army suspended the airmen and launched a formal safety investigation—but the Pentagon overrode Army leadership, immediately lifting the suspension and terminating the safety review.
    — Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • Local officials primarily blame budget concerns, along with political inertia, for the ongoing stalemate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • History shows commissions, like the successful base closing panel, require such mechanisms and strong presidential leadership to overcome political inertia.
    — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • From there, the tension stems not from an unending well of sustained suspense but from the shrapnel-like feeling of worry that comes from enduring too many uncomfortable misunderstandings at once.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 July 2026
  • The first sequence plays out with breathtaking suspense, the second with wrenching tragedy; the difference is calibrated by the composer Ludwig Göransson, whose score pulses with mournful dissonance and martial fury.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • The goal was to curb risks associated with heavy media use, among them disrupted sleep, online safety, cyberbullying and physical inactivity.
    — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
  • Type 2 more typically develops later in life, usually due to a combination of factors like genetics, excess weight, physical inactivity and age.
    — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026
Definition of inactivity
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
Definition of quiescence
Noun
  • Advocates and city councilors said at an April Council hearing that the Wu administration’s inaction has cost the city millions in federal grant funding and puts cyclists and pedestrians at risk.
    — Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
  • What’s more, inaction could shut down a valuable education pipeline.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of inaction

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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 25 Jul. 2026.

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