1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of dormancy
When the temperature consistently drops below 60 degrees in the fall and winter, rattlesnakes enter a dormancy period known as brumation, according to wildlife control company Critter Control.
—
Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 15 Feb. 2025
According to McEnaney, they were brought into a cooler months ago to force an early dormancy.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025
In the fall, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost becomes a risk, bring the plant back indoors.
To encourage dormancy in late summer or early fall, stop watering the plant and move it to a cool, dark location away from bright light — your basement might be an ideal spot.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, from roses to apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 15 Feb. 2025
According to McEnaney, they were brought into a cooler months ago to force an early dormancy.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025
In the fall, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost becomes a risk, bring the plant back indoors.
To encourage dormancy in late summer or early fall, stop watering the plant and move it to a cool, dark location away from bright light — your basement might be an ideal spot.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, from roses to apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
Her suspension brings fresh uncertainty to the Southeast Asian kingdom, which has been roiled by years of political turbulence and leadership shake-ups.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
1 July 2025
-
The son has failed drug tests, served suspensions and egregiously missed weight while being widely criticized for his intermittent dedication to the sport.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
One example of imprudent inertia is sitting on excessive cash instead of investing it.—
Jonathan I. Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
When the prince brings boyfriend Dev to meet his royal family, their aristocratic inertia threatens the young love.—
Jillian Steinhauer,
New Yorker,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
There wasn’t much suspense on the top pick this year, but the moment was still memorable based on Schaefer’s tears, as the top pick and his family shared the moment while honoring his mom, Jennifer, who passed away in 2024.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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After several weeks of voting, the suspense is over and the new name for the snake will be announced.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The first, called quiescence, relies on environmental cues — when temperatures plummet, metabolism automatically tapers off.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
8 Mar. 2025
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Although Schneider's exact date predictions may or may not come to pass, the pattern of the super-active phase followed by quiescence and dimming suggests that the nova is just around the corner.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This violence is designed to intimidate public servants into inaction.—
Bob Morgan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2025
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Similar legislation introduced in the two previous Congresses died from inaction.—
Kevin R. Kosar,
The Washington Examiner,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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