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
Every spring, the mosquitoes emerge from their winter dormancy to bite and breed.
—
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Fueled by April showers, the grass and flowering weeds typically come out of dormancy and start their seasonal cycle.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026
Certified arborist Levi Williams says that the best time for pruning is before the buds break dormancy, which is in late winter.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 30 Mar. 2026
As temperatures gradually warm and plants begin to bloom, the vernal equinox symbolizes the transition from winter's dormancy to the vibrant growth of spring.
—Vytas Reid, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Fueled by April showers, the grass and flowering weeds typically come out of dormancy and start their seasonal cycle.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026
Certified arborist Levi Williams says that the best time for pruning is before the buds break dormancy, which is in late winter.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 30 Mar. 2026
As temperatures gradually warm and plants begin to bloom, the vernal equinox symbolizes the transition from winter's dormancy to the vibrant growth of spring.
—Vytas Reid, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
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The independent front suspension gives it that high speed capability.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
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The suspension was rescinded after massive public backlash, with politicians from both sides of the aisle calling it a government attempt to censor free speech.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This second season is once again poking at inertia and stasis and how romantic relationships can crumble into a series of self-destructive choices.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
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Manson can’t quite make up her mind about the value proposition of institutional inertia.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To some umps’ great dismay—and fans’ utter delight—calls are indeed getting overturned, with all the suspense of a Roman emperor deciding on a gladiator’s fate.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
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At the half, the Wolverines had established a 48-32 lead over the Wildcats, and, thanks in part to a 26-12 advantage in points off turnovers, Michigan would propel itself to the title game with a suspense-free 91-73 win.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Currently, states can take custody of financial accounts after a set period of inactivity — often as short as three years — even if the owner is still alive and unaware their assets are at risk of being transferred.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Factors that can worsen constipation include dehydration, low-fiber breakfasts, and morning inactivity.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
We cannot be cowed into quiescence.—
Brian Kolp,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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Boston city councilors and transit advocates hammered the Wu administration for delaying transportation projects, saying that its inaction has cost the city millions in federal grant funding and put cyclists and pedestrians at risk.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
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The cost of inaction is not abstract.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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