drowse 1 of 2

noun

Definition of drowsenext
as in nap
a short sleep was just falling into a drowse when you called

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drowse

2 of 2

verb

ˈdrau̇z How to pronounce drowse (audio)
as in to nap
to sleep lightly or briefly picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 drowse
Noun
The wealthy suburb of Phoenix drowses in the heat of the Sonoran Desert, sprinkled with luxury resorts catering to snowbirds in what Arizonans call the Valley of the Sun. — Lynette Rice, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2019
Verb
Some shaggy buffalo drowsed in a patch of shade, and a hose fed water into a large puddle where a white goose paddled in tight circles. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 The dog, Russ, drowsed on the floor at his owner’s feet, drooling onto the tile. — Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for drowse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowse
  1. nap
  2. relax
  3. rest
  4. doze
  5. slumber
Noun
  • You rarely get paid $100 to work on your laptop and then take a nap, André Schwämmlein says, but that’s essentially what his company offers people who take its Greyhound buses between Boston and New York.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 July 2026
  • These shady sites are great nap spots for rattlesnakes, which are common to the area.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of nap
Verb
  • Most pregnant travelers are prioritizing things like comfort and accessibility as well opportunities to relax along the way.
    — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • There is absolutely no wellspring of untapped energy in the country in favor of relaxing gun laws.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Definition of relax
Verb
  • The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and hit the metal guardrail, coming to rest on the right shoulder, according to the patrol.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Matar at times rested his hand on his chin and sometimes turned to speak to his lawyer, but not toward the witness stand, though the defendant did watch the author walk out a door.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of rest
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
Definition of doze
Verb
  • Some, perhaps, slumbered through repetitive regional games and inconsequential friendlies.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 14 June 2026
  • But the nannies had to get up in the night at the sound of my shrieks while my parents slumbered with ear-plugs in.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of slumber

Browse Nearby Words

drowns
drowse
drowsed
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Cite this Entry

“Drowse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowse. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drowse

Nglish: Translation of drowse for Spanish Speakers

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