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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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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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 By 1988, Notre Dame had recalibrated from its dormancy under Faust by bringing in Lou Holtz, but the programs’ roles had effectively flipped. — Dana Oneil, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026 Yellow fall leaves often signal normal winter dormancy rather than a plant problem. — The Spruce, 5 Nov. 2026 Focus on branches that are likely to cause damage to your roof, then do more significant pruning in early spring when the tree is about to emerge from dormancy. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2026 Her investigative reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein case in 2018 broke the story open after a decade of dormancy. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 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
  • This allows the car’s suspension to anticipate rather than react to road conditions ahead.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Properties that do not comply with these requirements can face warnings, suspension or removal from our platform.
    — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • On one level, these results might seem like a recipe for legislative inertia and policy stagnation.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Max Murray, of North Liberty, staffed the station to help participants learn about inertia and motion.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • For you, what makes a hotel such a great keeper of that suspense?
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Its suspense extends beyond who will be caught to whether the institutions charged with protecting people can be trusted to deliver justice.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • After a period of inactivity that included elbow surgery, Álvarez’s greatest enemy is time.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Clots can also be caused by inactivity, such as sitting on a long flight or being immobile after surgery.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of inactivity
Noun
  • The study found that differences in acceleration characteristics indicated more efficient drainage during quiescence.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of quiescence
Noun
  • Exasperated and furious over their inaction, Heumann and a group of disability activists staged a sit-in at the San Francisco Health, Education and Welfare federal building on Apr 5, 1977.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The landscape prior to the New Deal was one of government inaction.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of inaction

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Cite this Entry

“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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