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
-
The findings don’t mean long naps cause liver disease, but that napping might indicate that poor sleep, insulin resistance, or sleep apnea needs attention.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
15 June 2026
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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
Verb
-
Even with Morocco resting key players, the day’s match was not much of a competition.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
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Holding hands, sitting close together, or resting a hand on your partner's arm can signal to both of your nervous systems that no one is actually in danger.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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When that fire started four years ago, Zowey McCue was asleep in a locked bathroom, where a plywood slab placed over the tub served as her makeshift bed, officials said.—
Caroline Silva,
AJC.com,
15 June 2026
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The memory foam layers adjust to your sleep position, which makes falling asleep easy.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Mattresses, Box Springs, and Mattress Toppers Much like most secondhand stores don't accept adult-sized mattresses, many don't accept kids' sleep items like crib mattresses, junior bed mattresses, mattress toppers, box springs, sleep and positioning aids, and co-sleepers.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
13 June 2026
-
Skincare cannot substitute for sleep, diet, exercise and consistent sun protection.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The agency also pays for 10 shelter beds at the Gateway Center and Salvation Army.—
Sara Gregory,
AJC.com,
18 June 2026
-
Benji separated from Zack, patted the spot on the bed between them, and then opened up his arm as an invitation.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Mighty ice breakers moored in their summer slumber are the only reminder of the bitter Baltic winters.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
10 June 2026
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But with the weather warming as Japan has entered summer, the bears have emerged from their slumber – and are heading back into cities and towns.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Noun
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To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
-
The Spurs’ Dylan Harper, getting plenty of rest, came in like a house afire and threatened to turn the game their way.—
John Nogowski,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dozing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dozing. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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