as in sleeping
being in a state of suspended consciousness
the dozing dog was running—at least in his dream
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in napping
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself
dozing is a natural response to the stifling heat of summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in resting
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 snoozing
to sleep lightly or briefly
she dozed fitfully in the car but never fell completely asleep
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dozing
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
There’s no dozing off in his sessions.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 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
People sleep with earplugs for many reasons, like excessive city noise, loud neighbors, or even a snoring partner dozing next to them.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.
—Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
She gets literally tucked in, waking up cozy to the sound of rain on the slanted roof and dozing only to wake again to the bright morning sun.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, in the skies above, Air Canada passenger Rebecca Liquori was dozing in her seat by the exit row after a quick weekend trip to Montreal for a relative’s baby shower.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
In his Friday testimony, Ye yawned, closed his eyes for long stretches, and at times seemed to catch his head falling forward as if dozing while seated on the witness stand.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026
Babies and young children attend events into the wee hours of the night, often falling asleep in someone’s arms or dozing across several chairs.
—Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
His backdrop was a colorful tableau of posters, a neon sign, and a dozing dog.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
Lily is the quickest to figure out the detective stories that George reads them every evening in the field, but otherwise smarts count for little in a quiet life of grazing and dozing.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
There’s no dozing off in his sessions.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 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
People sleep with earplugs for many reasons, like excessive city noise, loud neighbors, or even a snoring partner dozing next to them.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.
—Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
She gets literally tucked in, waking up cozy to the sound of rain on the slanted roof and dozing only to wake again to the bright morning sun.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, in the skies above, Air Canada passenger Rebecca Liquori was dozing in her seat by the exit row after a quick weekend trip to Montreal for a relative’s baby shower.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
In his Friday testimony, Ye yawned, closed his eyes for long stretches, and at times seemed to catch his head falling forward as if dozing while seated on the witness stand.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026
Babies and young children attend events into the wee hours of the night, often falling asleep in someone’s arms or dozing across several chairs.
—Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dozing
Adjective
-
An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As comfort was key in the sunroom and library where a daybed became a daily napping spot, the windows were covered in custom Pindler curtain fabrics to withstand the sun.—
Anne Hardy,
Architectural Digest,
23 Apr. 2026
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Morning naps were linked to about a 30% increase in mortality risk, and each additional hour of daily napping was associated with about a 13% higher risk, the study found.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Suitable gifts for this guy—a barbecue blanket for resting meats, or a selection of dry rubs geared to smoking.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Once onboard your pet, both male and female fleas feed at the first opportunity, typically when your pet is resting, says Benson.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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The sleep disorder leads to an overwhelming urge to fall asleep during the day, even when a person is well-rested, according to the Cleveland Clinic.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
26 May 2026
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Studies have found that regularly eating fish is associated with improved sleep quality, falling asleep more easily, and better daytime functioning.—
Trista Chan,
Health,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Air New Zealand is hoping to revolutionize sleep comfort on long-haul flights by introducing bunk beds to economy.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Three nights of interrupted sleep led to failure in his work output.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Halverson’s friends, teachers and coaches across Fridley supported him — with meals, a bed and more.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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The sense of repose continues in the post-treatment lounge, a zen-like space with privacy shades around each bed, designed to seal in that feeling of restoration.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Miami reaching the national title game was a major step for a program that had been in a 20-year slumber.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Nature’s orchestra lulled me into a tranquil slumber.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
New York will also have a clear rest advantage over the Spurs with a nine-day lay-off by the time the NBA Finals start.—
Scott Phillips,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
After thirty, rest is important.—
Taiye Selasi,
New Yorker,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dozing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dozing. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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