drowse 1 of 2

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

as in to nap
to sleep lightly or briefly picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

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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
Bear in mind that those 55 million impressions were totted up long before Nielsen began counting scores of drowsing aunts and hyperactive toddlers among its national TV deliveries. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025 The feast is digested by now at our house and the tryptophan is kicking in, but the late game is too good to drowse on. Miami Herald, 25 Nov. 2025 Jena looked over at the man’s camel, drowsing alongside the tent. Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025 Stars lounged and drowsed: Muhammad Ali with a newspaper, Peter Cook in his old mac on a lilo in a Hollywood pool. The Economist, 21 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowse
Noun
  • Within 30 minutes of eating one of the treats, his interest in mail delivery trucks approaching our house declines and his penchant for naps increases — both very beneficial when recovering from major surgery.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Hassan had just woken from a nap and went to get water when a shell smacked into the dirt of the school’s playground, spraying shrapnel into his body.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The bill currently proposes relaxing pesticide labeling rules and the potential preemption of states suing big agrochemical companies in cases related to carcinogenic paraquat and glyphosate.
    Thomas Heaton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • For many, a relaxing soak in the tub isn’t complete without a bath bomb.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And the profession’s appeal rests on a tension that The Pitt doesn’t shy away from.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The optics surrounding Denver’s decision to rest all five starters Friday and four of them Sunday were suspicious.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • If the temperature, humidity or acidity is not favorable, these bacteria can also slumber for decades in a spore form – underfoot and forgotten by nearly all except cattle.
    Hannah Kinzer, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Others showed baby Spero clasping his tiny hand around Graham's finger and slumbering with a smile on his face.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Drowse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowse. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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