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 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 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 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
  • That includes carbon-ceramic brakes, standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and even optional carbon fiber wheels, all wrapped by the widebody shape that gives the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X a more aggressive look than the base Stingray.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
  • After the White House event, FIFA announced Ronaldo’s suspension had been lifted, allowing one of the World Cup’s star attractions to play in the tournament.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • At the extreme, such acceleration in imaging can only become entangled with inertia.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Winners who keep winning are willing to take a critical look at their current inertia, admit to its weaknesses and then begin enacting a plan to change direction.
    — David Henkin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • The bill, Assembly Bill 2193, was placed in the suspense file in May.
    — Madison Smalstig July 31, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • The suspense grows more effective past the one-hour mark, once Dama takes control of the narrative, with Irina, Rosa and Giulia variably helped and hindered by her steely mechanizations.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • While he was surprised by his fellow Klutch Sports Group client’s decision, Moody preached patience to Warriors fans fretting about their own team’s inactivity this offseason.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
  • Among other updates, the 2026 rule broadened the code definition from addressing only unmet social needs to addressing any unmet upstream driver, including factors like poor nutrition, physical inactivity and substance misuse.
    — Valerie Cerra, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 costs of inaction—failing to invest in the human, natural and physical infrastructure cities will need, or to strengthen the rules and institutions that govern heat—are also large and growing.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • In a statement, CMS spokesperson Timothy Foster said state inaction on hospice programs rife with fraud drove the need for federal intervention.
    — Laurie Udesky, Miami Herald, 30 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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