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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The administration has resumed strikes after months of dormancy. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 The layoffs come as Ellison has been quietly rebuilding her business after several years of near-dormancy. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Those soil temperatures can soar above 85 degrees, which Horne says drops plants into a type of heat-protective dormancy—that means they’re focused on survival rather than growth. — Shelby Deering, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026 Move them to an unheated garage or shed, which will allow the plants to enter a dormancy stage. — Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 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
  • George, despite missing significant time because of a 25-game suspension for violating NBA drug policy, had a good season on both ends.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But in August, a Jackson County judge upheld Shurin’s order that Biscari get his job back, receive full back wages and benefits and serve a three-day suspension without pay.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • Those struggling with sleep inertia could benefit from multiple alarms or hitting snooze.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The abundance critique is that there are abundant opportunities to grow being held back by excessive regulation, planning and conditions of the sort mentioned above, which can create inertia in the system.
    — Mariana Mazzucato, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • Today sees the launch of Drawn Together, an adaptation of the first romance-suspense novel from her Enfrentados series.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Selected for Series Mania’s Series Makers and ACE Series, the project combines political suspense with family drama.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Physical inactivity, including not walking enough, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health issues.
    — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Months of inactivity allow microbes, algae, barnacles and other invertebrates to colonize submerged surfaces.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of inactivity
Noun
  • 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
  • Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of quiescence
Noun
  • Increasingly, this blame-shifting tack looks more like a simple excuse for inaction.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But having a bit of breathing space is no excuse for inaction.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of inaction

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dormancies
dormancy
dormant
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Cite this Entry

“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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