doze 1 of 2

Definition of dozenext
as in nap
a short sleep a brief doze in the sun

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1
as in to sleep
to be in a state of sleep likes to doze through those lazy summer afternoons

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to nap
to sleep lightly or briefly she dozed fitfully in the car but never fell completely asleep

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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 doze
Noun
Our thought was probably somebody was going to just want to come in and doze it all down and do something different. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026 By the evening’s end, I was cuddled up on the couch in a pile of kids, a movie playing while the little ones started to doze. — Monitor Contributors, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2025
Verb
The Basque side went ahead in the blink of an eye when a dozing Atletico defence missed a long ball forward, Goncalo Guedes crossed from deep and Barrenetxea headed the fastest goal in a final in the Copa’s 124-year history. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2026 A little walk to Ayu Bakehouse, especially in the early morning while most of the neighborhood is still dozing, is a great start to the day. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doze
Noun
  • These paper-thin Listerine strips dissolve right on your tongue, offering a fuss-free refresh after a meal, cup of coffee, or midair nap.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
  • People were still crying, dancing and desperate for a nap the next day!
    — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Based on overheard conversations of early-morning customers, many slept the night on their boats.
    — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The following night, he was discovered lying on his bed, fully dressed except for his shoes, dead from an overdose of sleeping medication, only two weeks shy of forty-two.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Andrew took the opportunity to relax, laying down on the sofa in the living area.
    — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Clean, relax and play with this calming bubble bath made from a nontoxic, hypoallergenic and tear-free solution that has been formulated without parabens, sulfates or fragrance.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The judge also heard victim impact statements Wednesday from Cozzi's friends and family, including his parents and husband, who spoke to the pain of not being able to lay him to rest.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of concentrating thousands of visitors into just a few months, wildlife disturbance and trail use are distributed more evenly throughout the year, allowing nature to regenerate and rest more, well, naturally.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Doze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doze. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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