Synonyms of drowsy

drowsy

adjective

ˈdrau̇-zē 

1

as in sleepy

desiring or needing sleep

the drowsy students shuffled into the first-period class

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sleepy
• sleeping
• resting
• somnolent
• slumberous
• asleep
• dozy
• dormant
• nodding
• dozing
• slumbering
• yawning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conscious
• awake
• wakeful
• alert
• wide-awake
• restless
• sleepless
• restive
• insomniac

2

as in hypnotic

tending to cause sleep

listened to drowsy music while waiting in the dentist's office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hypnotic
• sleepy
• soporific
• narcotic
• soothing
• somnolent
• opiate
• slumberous
• hypnotizing
• comforting
• sedative
• depressant
• somniferous
• quieting
• relaxing
• relaxant
• dulling
• restful
• tranquilizing
• calming
• settling
• anesthetic
• analgesic
• deadening
• lulling
• numbing
• stupefying
• benumbing
• mesmerizing
• pacifying
• anesthetizing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulant
• waking
• stimulating
• rousing
• arousing
• energizing
• refreshing
• bracing
• awakening
• reviving
• restorative
• stimulative
• wakening
• stimulatory
• invigorating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of drowsy

Usually, treatment plans start with non-drowsy, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra). — Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Mar. 2026

People who have trouble sleeping may feel exhausted, drowsy and less awake. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026

Afternoons here are deliciously drowsy, spent dozing in the shade, gently parting calm sea water, or gliding past craggy rock formations in a little motor-boat. — Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Some of the consequences of owing your body sleep are readily apparent, like feeling drowsy, irritable, or brain-foggy, or catching seemingly every virus. — Erica Sloan, SELF, 6 Jan. 2026