drowsiness

noun

Definition of drowsinessnext
as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep we tried to fight our drowsiness but fell asleep anyway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 drowsiness These older medications were also likely to increase cognitive impairment, such as drowsiness, confusion, slowed thinking, or diminished school or work performance, according to the study authors. — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 30 July 2026 Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 It is also known to cause side effects, including drowsiness, sedation and dizziness. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning can include extreme drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, according to the advisory. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 June 2026 The devices detected increases in brain waves linked to relaxation and focus – theta, theta-alpha, alpha and beta-1 brain waves – while measuring decreases in delta and gamma-1 brain waves, which suggest less drowsiness and less mind-wandering. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 At higher doses, melatonin can also cause morning grogginess and daytime drowsiness, Jafari said. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026 The practical effect is a calmer, less reactive brain at bedtime, without any drowsiness. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 The overall effect is a quieter, less reactive brain, without any drowsiness. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
  1. sleepiness
  2. fatigue
  3. somnolence
  4. sleeping
Noun
  • Loud snoring, daytime sleepiness and obesity are common signs.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The benefits of an early nap can wear off too early in the day, leading to afternoon sleepiness.
    — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026
Definition of sleepiness
Noun
  • But markets are showing signs of fatigue, after absorbing this flood of debt in such a short time, S&P warned, pointing out that hyperscalers are now paying a higher premium compared with yields on risk-free bonds.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • The economic difficulties, energy blackouts, Internet restrictions, and general wartime fatigue have pushed Putin’s approval ratings from around 80 percent at the beginning of the year to 66 percent in mid-July.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Definition of fatigue
Noun
  • From there, the story builds on the uncertainty, rocking the somnolence of a small town in the province of Badajoz, and forcing a community to choose between disbelief and the need to prove what can’t be seen.
    — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The people went to the emergency department with tachycardia, confusion, anxiety or somnolence, and nausea after eating gummy candies labeled as containing Amanita muscaria mushrooms.
    — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 19 July 2024
Definition of somnolence
Noun
  • After two moves in less than a year, Joni Moreland’s efforts to find a new home for her nonprofit — which provides free clothes, hygiene products, groceries, dog beds and sleeping mats for residents in need of assistance — is far from over.
    — Taylor O'Connor July 29, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • Your sleeping position is also important; for example, for those who can manage it, sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is a excellent for your skin, and helps prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.
    — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 29 July 2026
Definition of sleeping

Browse Nearby Words

drowses (off)
drowsiness
drowsing
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Cite this Entry

“Drowsiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowsiness. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drowsiness

Nglish: Translation of drowsiness for Spanish Speakers

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