DROWSING Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

drowsing

verb

present participle of drowse

as in napping

to sleep lightly or briefly picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 drowsing Bear in mind that those 55 million impressions were totted up long before Nielsen began counting scores of drowsing aunts and hyperactive toddlers among its national TV deliveries. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025 Jena looked over at the man’s camel, drowsing alongside the tent. — Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsing

Verb

In school, this might happen when children are sitting very close to each other or napping alongside classmates.

— Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Its wide seat supports up to 300 pounds, while high-density foam provides plush support for comfortable reading, scrolling, or napping.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of napping

Verb

Attorneys representing James Barbier, the now-elderly Missouri man charged with first-degree murder in the 1966 stabbing death of 18-year-old Karen Snider in Calumet City, declined to call any witnesses before resting their case Friday.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Prosecutors introduced evidence and testimony over about 4 ½ days before resting their case.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of resting

Verb

Even 15 seconds in N1 helped, but dozing deeper erased the benefit.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 2026
Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026

Definition of dozing

Verb

In particular, the image of the sickly, slumbering child recurs throughout Marcon’s work.

— Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
The winter months pass, long nights, a bomb cyclone that buries my basement windows in snow and leaves me to lurk in the dark like a slumbering bear, and then spring arrives abrupt and clanging and golden.

— Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026