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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dormancy
Most snakes start breeding in spring after winter dormancy, making summer the prime time to encounter one of several venomous snake species found from western Missouri to Wichita.
—
Sophie Lindberg,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
Females reach reproductive age after their second season of winter dormancy and can lay around 35 eggs per year, with hatching in Georgia expected in June and July.
—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
For the rest of the country, the bloom period starts in spring about 6 weeks after rosebushes come out of dormancy and lasts through summer and sometimes into fall.
—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 June 2026
The answer is that dim residential lighting, at intensities typical of a porch light, suppresses mosquito dormancy more powerfully than even urban warming does.
—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Sophie Lindberg,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
Females reach reproductive age after their second season of winter dormancy and can lay around 35 eggs per year, with hatching in Georgia expected in June and July.
—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
For the rest of the country, the bloom period starts in spring about 6 weeks after rosebushes come out of dormancy and lasts through summer and sometimes into fall.
—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 June 2026
The answer is that dim residential lighting, at intensities typical of a porch light, suppresses mosquito dormancy more powerfully than even urban warming does.
—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
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His lineup on Thursday, which consisted of eight players making their first World Cup starts, showed off the depth of his team as key players like Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson were able to rest and avoid possible suspension for the game against the Zmajevi.
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District 219, in a statement to the Tribune, said it was made aware of the criminal complaint on Thursday and confirmed that the employee under investigation has been placed on suspension.
Noun
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But don’t mistake the pace for inertia.
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LaGore further contextualizes current hesitation toward intermodal adoption within organizational memory and operational inertia.
Noun
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As a result, moments of action, suspense, and cinematic spectacle found their way into the film.
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The tale begins in high suspense, with 53-year-old Daphne and her husband, Jonathan, seemingly being stalked while visiting New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noun
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On the other hand, prolonged inactivity due to illness, immobilization or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bone loss.
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Both establishments received inactivity suspensions on June 10.
Noun
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Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.
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We cannot be cowed into quiescence.
Noun
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Healthcare has trained generations of leaders to avoid the visible mistake more than the invisible cost of inaction.
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For this class, federal action (or inaction) makes or breaks their communities and livelihoods, with their frustration channeled through abstinence in the political process.
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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