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
Relevance
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
By evening, levels of a hormone called melatonin begin to surge, triggering drowsiness.
—
Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
By evening, levels of a hormone called melatonin begin to surge, triggering drowsiness.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
For example, stopping certain sleep medications can reduce confusion and daytime drowsiness, and limiting or avoiding use of opioids for pain relief can prevent debilitating constipation.
—Jerry Gurwitz, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
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
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
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
Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
By evening, levels of a hormone called melatonin begin to surge, triggering drowsiness.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
For example, stopping certain sleep medications can reduce confusion and daytime drowsiness, and limiting or avoiding use of opioids for pain relief can prevent debilitating constipation.
—Jerry Gurwitz, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
Noun
-
Symptoms include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
10 Mar. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Your intensity works best when sustained by practical habits that reduce decision fatigue.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Nick Pivetta, the Padres’ presumptive opening-day starter, is being given extra rest between starts due to what is described as arm fatigue.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 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
-
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
-
Because the house enjoys a warm light at both dawn and dusk, a cozy curtain with a two-tone texture serves as a temporary separation between the living room and sleeping area.—
Giada Storelli,
Architectural Digest,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Inside the guests suites feature a sleeping area, relaxed living zone, bathroom, and private outdoor terrace.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drowsiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowsiness. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
