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
Eggs, caterpillars, and pupae may enter dormancy and emerge when warm weather returns.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, companies can charge fees for inactivity or dormancy, but only if the card has gone unused for a year and the policy clearly states that charges could be incurred.
—Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 25 Dec. 2025
The movie reunites Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean as the members of the (sadly) fictional metal band Spinal Tap, reuniting after 41 years of dormancy; Reiner appears, once again, as the (also sadly) fictional documentary filmmaker Martin di Bergi.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 Dec. 2025
This example’s nearly 40 years of dormancy means that a considerable amount of attention is needed.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, companies can charge fees for inactivity or dormancy, but only if the card has gone unused for a year and the policy clearly states that charges could be incurred.
—Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 25 Dec. 2025
The movie reunites Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean as the members of the (sadly) fictional metal band Spinal Tap, reuniting after 41 years of dormancy; Reiner appears, once again, as the (also sadly) fictional documentary filmmaker Martin di Bergi.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 Dec. 2025
This example’s nearly 40 years of dormancy means that a considerable amount of attention is needed.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
In 2021, Richardson tested positive for THC, which is the chemical in marijuana, during a post-race drug test, giving her a 30-day suspension and ineligibility for the Tokyo Olympics.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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The Penguins had been off since sweeping a four-game trip with a victory over Vancouver on Sunday, with forward Bryan Rust starting a three-game suspension for a check to Canucks forward Brock Boeser's head.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Ships have real inertia and Newtonian physics, and pilots can choose to toggle flight assistance on to help stabilize their often unpredictable craft, or off to perform mind-bending maneuvers that can be the edge between life and death in high-skill player versus player shootouts.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Bruening believes the market for specific skate types is just too small, the cost of development and rollout too high, and the cultural inertia too strong for some changes.—
Mark Hay,
Popular Science,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Magnificent 7 & The Others The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets on Wednesday, but the outcome will hold no suspense.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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In Filipiñana, the angle of a golf club can evoke suspense, a piece of fruit on the ground can feel like a tragedy, and a casual glance can take your breath away.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The biggest mistake investors make is assuming that patience means inactivity.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
New federal data shows wide differences in physical inactivity from state to state, Axios reported.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This is a region of gravitational quiescence about a million miles from Earth, where ESCAPADE will linger for a year awaiting a more favorable alignment between Earth and Mars.—
Morgan McFall-Johnsen,
Scientific American,
13 Nov. 2025
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Through the night, melatonin production rises, putting cells into a deeper state of quiescence.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Aides said the Pretti death was such a clarifying moment for their bosses that inaction was no longer an option.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
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Contrary to popular belief, inaction is not the real danger.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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