drowse 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • Oppressively hot, lie-down-and-take-a-nap hot, hydration-break hot, the kind of hot that deadens feet.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • This one is made of organic cotton and looks perfect for a quick nap on the plane or in the backseat on a long road trip.
    — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of nap
Verb
  • The players have been relaxed in each other’s company and united behind the mission.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Jessica Alba relaxes in the ocean while vacationing in Porto Ercole, Italy on July 7.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Definition of relax
Verb
  • Raynaud, who was an All-Rookie Second Team selection last season, has been added to the roster after joining the team in Las Vegas, but the Kings chose to rest him Thursday.
    — Jason Anderson July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • This style is designed to rest on the lip of a mug or teapot but may not be compatible with all cup sizes.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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