as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep
we tried to fight our drowsiness but fell asleep anyway
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Recent Examples of drowsiness
However, first-generation antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue, which can affect alertness, concentration, and memory.
—
Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
The virus can lead to severe symptoms, including disorientation, drowsiness, seizures or encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, pale and cold skin, confusion and fatigue, difficulty walking or talking, memory loss and drowsiness, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
—Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Dr Gonzalez-Fernandez recommends speaking to your primary physician to discuss short-term medications–such as promethazine (an antihistaminic that causes drowsiness) or over-the-counter melatonin aids—and referral to a specialist.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
In addition, overdose carries serious and potentially life-threatening risks including confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dry mouth, and shortness of breath, which can be exacerbated by alcohol use.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
These over-the-counter medicines are safe to use daily, but can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dryness in the nose and mouth.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
In the cold weather, shivering that suddenly stops, drowsiness, stumbling, or pale gums could be signs of hypothermia, which would need to be addressed immediately.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Traditional options, including some antihistamines, have been the main interventions for nearly half a century, despite limited effectiveness and side effects such as drowsiness.
—New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026
Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
The virus can lead to severe symptoms, including disorientation, drowsiness, seizures or encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, pale and cold skin, confusion and fatigue, difficulty walking or talking, memory loss and drowsiness, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
—Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Dr Gonzalez-Fernandez recommends speaking to your primary physician to discuss short-term medications–such as promethazine (an antihistaminic that causes drowsiness) or over-the-counter melatonin aids—and referral to a specialist.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
In addition, overdose carries serious and potentially life-threatening risks including confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dry mouth, and shortness of breath, which can be exacerbated by alcohol use.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
These over-the-counter medicines are safe to use daily, but can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dryness in the nose and mouth.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
In the cold weather, shivering that suddenly stops, drowsiness, stumbling, or pale gums could be signs of hypothermia, which would need to be addressed immediately.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Traditional options, including some antihistamines, have been the main interventions for nearly half a century, despite limited effectiveness and side effects such as drowsiness.
—New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
Noun
-
Boost Energy and Alertness Taking a walk in the morning has been associated with lower daytime sleepiness and improved alertness during the day.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026
-
At higher doses, kratom reduces anxiety and causes sleepiness, the way strong pain drugs like opioids (heroin or fentanyl) do.—
Gary Kirkilas II,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Both modules will link through final durability assessments using vibration fatigue methods.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Chronic shortages force officers into unsafe conditions, increase fatigue, and lead to mistakes that put everyone at risk.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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
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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
Noun
-
Even winter bedding, electric blankets, and sleeping bags can often be washed at home before storage.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The best dog bed supports a dog's specific sleeping style and needs.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drowsiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowsiness. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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