dozing 1 of 3

adjective

as in sleeping
being in a state of suspended consciousness the dozing dog was running—at least in his dream

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dozing

2 of 3

noun

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dozing

3 of 3

verb

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

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2
as in snoozing
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 dozing
Adjective
Whitehead took a right at a sign depicting a dozing fisherman, continuing up a shady road toward the bay. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 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
Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dozing
  1. sleeping
  2. napping
  3. resting
  4. asleep
  5. sleep
  6. bed
  7. slumber
  8. rest
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
Definition of sleeping
Noun
  • Our agenda includes promenading with the official mascots, catching up on our napping, and looking in on the Pharmalot ancestor.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 July 2026
  • My 5-year-old corgi, Luna, is a dedicated burrower—any blanket, pillow or soft corner in the house quickly becomes her personal napping spot.
    — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Definition of napping
Verb
  • Testimony in the criminal trial of Johnson County Sheriff Adam King wrapped up its second week with prosecutors resting their case against him.
    — Star-Telegram staff. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
  • Research shows that quality sleep and regular exercise both can benefit heart rate variability as well as resting heart rate in healthy adults.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of resting
Adjective
  • While Moreno was asleep, nurses had been coming into the room to check on the baby’s heartbeat.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Tripura said the landslides hit at least four locations across the camps, burying shelters under mud and debris while residents were asleep.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of asleep
Noun
  • Cotliar’s daughter, Sharon Cotliar-Zweifach, confirmed that Cotliar died in his sleep early Monday at his home in Newport Beach.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Owners who use their equipment daily say the payoff shows up in convenience, faster recovery and better sleep, especially when spa memberships or medical recovery are the alternative.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of sleep
Noun
  • Small, nervous dogs will feel safe and comfy in this furry donut bed.
    — Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Health officials declined to identify the facilities or to specify reasons, other than saying that the long-term care industry opens facilities and increases or decreases beds based on business factors.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026
Definition of bed
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
  • 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
Definition of slumber
Noun
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
  • For a safer outdoor work environment, follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s guidance by scheduling regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of rest

Browse Nearby Words

doziness
dozing
dozy
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Cite this Entry

“Dozing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dozing. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dozing for Spanish Speakers

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