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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 Overdosing on the drug can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and possible death. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Mild effects, such as drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting, are common. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 But Peasley also lives with Type 1 diabetes and wanted to avoid the potential fogginess and drowsiness that can accompany anesthesia. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Taking multiple products with sedating effects can increase drowsiness or cause interactions. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
  1. sleepiness
  2. fatigue
  3. somnolence
  4. sleeping
Noun
  • In young children, THC intoxication can cause profound sleepiness, confusion, impaired coordination, vomiting and changes in heart rate.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • To sleep, no more Two scientists who identified the role that a key neuropeptide plays in the uncontrollable sleepiness of narcolepsy were one of three recipients of the prestigious Lasker Awards, announced Thursday.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of sleepiness
Noun
  • Nighttime breathing problems and daytime fatigue raise your risk of heart disease and stroke — and menopause significantly increases your risk of getting it.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Momentum evaporates quickly amid donor fatigue and the return to daily operations.
    — Stewart McLaurin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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
  • Remaining in this same great room, the main sleeping area is adjacent.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
  • So, pack lots of extra layers and your warmest sleeping system, especially since snow and ice are common sights during this time of year.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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