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
Temperatures warm and vegetation begins to bloom from winter dormancy and starts pulling moisture out of the ground.
—
Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
At least one opposition party has called for his suspension.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
-
The memo also calls for the temporary suspension of LEP.gov, a federal website for people with limited English proficiency.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Courts worldwide are emerging as tools for driving climate action against political inertia, with the International Court of Justice set to deliver a landmark ruling Wednesday.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 July 2025
-
This mindset reduces inertia and builds momentum, one clear, conscientious step at a time.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
The dense woods surrounding the trail offer an atmospheric backdrop for the series’ moments of suspense in every episode.—
Darah Derios,
Charlotte Observer,
22 July 2025
-
But unlike the average thriller, his movies draw suspense less from incident and surprise and more from emotional dislocation.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
The Antarctic midge, the continent’s sole native insect, was found to be the only organism to undergo both quiescence and obligate diapause.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
-
The first, called quiescence, relies on environmental cues — when temperatures plummet, metabolism automatically tapers off.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But Jose says the sudden overall enthusiasm for food additive regulation reflects consumer frustration with federal inaction and an abrupt political embrace of the issue by conservative lawmakers historically resistant to regulation.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
30 July 2025
-
All government actions and policies of inaction must be constitutionally compliant.—
Mel Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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