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
For No Doubt, the Sphere residency comes in the wake of a long period of relative dormancy.
—
Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 May 2026
Once temperatures begin to be above about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius), trees will begin to emerge from dormancy.
—Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
During the dormancy of winter, gray stems and branches are visible, standing tall and proud even when cold weather casts its icy shadow over the once vibrant landscape.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Late spring is prime time for fleas to wake up from their winter dormancy and start breeding.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 May 2026
Once temperatures begin to be above about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius), trees will begin to emerge from dormancy.
—Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
During the dormancy of winter, gray stems and branches are visible, standing tall and proud even when cold weather casts its icy shadow over the once vibrant landscape.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Late spring is prime time for fleas to wake up from their winter dormancy and start breeding.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
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Malick Thiaw, meanwhile, has started 51 out of Newcastle’s last 53 games in all competitions, including a run of 38 successive matches from his full debut on September 21 until February 21, before sitting out the Champions League second-leg tie against Qarabag due to suspension.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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Sophisticated traction control, suspension systems, brake setups and bespoke tires support the performance feel.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The relative inertia in the January transfer market was very nearly a cataclysmic mistake, as was the installation of Igor Tudor.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
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Nuclear plants prefer the steady-demand networks currently in use that have loads of inertia as opposed to the future ones that must accommodate intermittent renewable energy sources.—
David Szondy
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
Noun
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Moments later, as his father was wrapped in a silver and gold emergency thermal blanket before being placed on a stretcher, Oun wiped away a flood of tears – a release of more than a week’s worth of agonizing suspense.—
Kocha Olarn,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Los Angeles didn’t need suspense marketing.—
John Shallman,
Daily News,
30 May 2026
Noun
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That includes closing costs, minimum withdrawal requirements, annual fees or inactivity fees.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
20 May 2026
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The study evaluated 13 dementia risk factors, from physical inactivity to substance use to diet.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
28 May 2026
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We cannot be cowed into quiescence.—
Brian Kolp,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, today’s immigration challenges are the result of years of inaction by the state and, in many cases, policies that have prevented local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
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The stakes of inaction are high.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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