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
In the top of the eighth, after a stretch of collective dormancy, Muncy jolted the Dodgers awake by making the most of another hit.
—
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
After years of dormancy, there are rumors swirling that Bradley Cooper will replace Gosling as Papa Ocean.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
In 2019, Trump, in his first term, resurrected the combatant command at Peterson Space Force Base as a standalone entity after a 17-year dormancy.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025
Those trees and flowers waking up from their winter dormancy only bring headaches and congestion.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
After years of dormancy, there are rumors swirling that Bradley Cooper will replace Gosling as Papa Ocean.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
In 2019, Trump, in his first term, resurrected the combatant command at Peterson Space Force Base as a standalone entity after a 17-year dormancy.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025
Those trees and flowers waking up from their winter dormancy only bring headaches and congestion.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
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Despite challenges, including a PED suspension that forced him to miss the entire 2021 season while with the Mets, Canó’s passion for the game remains undiminished.—
Denny Alfonso,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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The president's retaliative criticism, and subsequent reaction from corporations, have led to a wave of backlash from notable figures in Hollywood, who warn how Kimmel's suspension and the cancellation ofThe Late Show With Stephen Colbert are signs of an attack on free speech.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Funny, though, that this movie could be viewed as the flip side of Causeway, a quiet drama that’s also about a woman at a crossroads who snaps out of her inertia thanks to meeting a kindly stranger.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
8 Nov. 2025
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Where the first half of the 1600 conversation explored how young men are drifting toward the right through grievance, alienation and algorithmic content, this installment challenges Democrats to confront their own inertia.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
That builds tension and suspense.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Based on Mick Herron's novel, the author whose work inspired Apple's Emmy-winning Slow Horses, Down Cemetery Road blends suspense and dark humor in its story of two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) who navigate a dangerous investigation filled with shocking twists and high-stakes pursuits.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The World Health Organization has set a global target of reducing the levels of physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 10 percent by 2025 and 15 percent by 2030, relative to the 2010 baseline.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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But this past July, Baldwin’s own civil suit was dismissed because of inactivity.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Through the night, melatonin production rises, putting cells into a deeper state of quiescence.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Russian state propaganda is formidable, but sufficient economic hardship could disturb the quiescence of Russian society.—
Celeste A. Wallander,
Foreign Affairs,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Because one student going hungry due to government inaction is one too many.—
Robert Moreno,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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Mysteriously, Singer never pursued the suit any further and a judge dismissed the case in May 2012 for inaction.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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