1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Third generation: The HEMI revival After 16 years of dormancy, the third generation of the HEMI engine debuted in the 2003 model year as the Ram 1500's new powertrain.
—
Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Most plants have new growth during the longer days of spring and summer and enter a period of slowness or dormancy during shorter days of autumn and winter.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 14 Sep. 2025
Congolese Tutsis lead the M23 rebellion, which began major armed operations again in late 2021 after years of dormancy, with the backing of Congo's smaller neighbor Rwanda.
—Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025
In the case of seeds, dormancy prevents early germination before conditions are optimal for development of roots and shoots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Most plants have new growth during the longer days of spring and summer and enter a period of slowness or dormancy during shorter days of autumn and winter.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 14 Sep. 2025
Congolese Tutsis lead the M23 rebellion, which began major armed operations again in late 2021 after years of dormancy, with the backing of Congo's smaller neighbor Rwanda.
—Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025
In the case of seeds, dormancy prevents early germination before conditions are optimal for development of roots and shoots.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
While that included Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial suspension in September, more relevant was CBS’ surprise decision this summer to cancel The Late Show, which is hosted by Stewart’s old colleague Stephen Colbert.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The suspension of government data because of the government shutdown, which is nearing the longest on record, has made the Fed’s job of judging the economy even more difficult.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Where the first half of the 1600 conversation explored how young men are drifting toward the right through grievance, alienation and algorithmic content, this installment challenges Democrats to confront their own inertia.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
American inertia has become a global liability.—
John Wihbey,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Blending dark comedy, drama, and suspense, His Weakest Creatures is billed as a sharp allegory of love, survival, and moral compromise, culminating in an unexpected finale.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Liam Hemsworth picks up the White Wolf's blades on season 4 of the Netflix series that also stars Laurence Fishburne, and the suspense is killing us — not like a basilisk, but maybe a drowner.—
EW Staff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The World Health Organization has set a global target of reducing the levels of physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 10 percent by 2025 and 15 percent by 2030, relative to the 2010 baseline.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
But this past July, Baldwin’s own civil suit was dismissed because of inactivity.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Through the night, melatonin production rises, putting cells into a deeper state of quiescence.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Russian state propaganda is formidable, but sufficient economic hardship could disturb the quiescence of Russian society.—
Celeste A. Wallander,
Foreign Affairs,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Millions of Americans are now learning about these drastic increases from their health insurers, a direct consequence of Republican inaction.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
21 Oct. 2025
-
That was when PeerK12 alerted the district to the human swastika display and the inaction of SDA administrators.—
Marsha Sutton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share