Definition of hebetudenext
as in boredom
physical or mental inertness faced with a class forever enveloped in a miasma of apathy and intellectual hebetude, the professor had little hope of kindling an interest in medieval European history

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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 hebetude The leaden weight of an irremediable idleness descended upon General Feraud, who having no resources within himself sank into a state of awe-inspiring hebetude. Ruth Walker, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hebetude
Noun
  • There is no time for those who listen only to their boredom.
    Joyce Mansour, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Tom’s rebellious teenaged son, Evan (Kingston Rumi Southwick), has fallen in with a delinquent crowd out of sheer boredom, resentful that he’s never been allowed to leave the island.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • More severe signs of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, the loss of the ability to stand, confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea.
    Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Symptoms include fatigue, excessive panting, disorientation, lethargy, discomfort, collapse and seizures.
    Darius Johnson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • But Supergirl doesn’t quite want to deal with the immensity of its protagonist’s feelings; her drunken stupor is often played for laughs, defined by disheveled hair, big sunglasses, and plenty of slurred speech.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
  • But now, the Outback appears to be out of its stupor.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hebetude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hebetude. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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