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 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 Edwards went to the emergency room at Ysbyty Bronglais in the town of Aberystwyth, where her condition worsened with increasing drowsiness, severe confusion and loss of coordination. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
  1. sleepiness
  2. fatigue
  3. somnolence
  4. sleeping
Noun
  • 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
  • Melatonin the hormone released at night that triggers sleepiness also declines with age, and perimenopause brings a significant drop that makes sound sleep harder to come by.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of sleepiness
Noun
  • If testosterone levels are too low, at any age, this can lead to muscle and bone weakness, fatigue, and decline in libido.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Warning signs worth flagging to a doctor include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, severe daytime fatigue, persistent low mood, rapid heart rate and unexplained weight changes.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 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
  • Sleep systems Choosing the right sleeping foundation is essential.
    — Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
  • The seat-block option comes four months after United unveiled a new Relax Row option, a row of three economy seats with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create a lie-flat sleeping area.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of sleeping

Browse Nearby Words

drowses (off)
drowsiness
drowsing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drowsiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowsiness. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drowsiness

Nglish: Translation of drowsiness for Spanish Speakers

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