HEBETUDE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

hebetude

noun

ˈhe-bə-ˌtüd

Definition of hebetude

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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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

The level of boredom Pugh brought to Kate making her older client orgasm by squeezing his nipples really sold her approach to the work.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Then, after walking for a couple of blocks, directing withering sneers at the policeman’s reddish face, which was as impassive as that of a stone idol, Gleb cooled down and succumbed to boredom.

— Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of boredom

Noun

Phrasemaking is perhaps no contribution to the intellectual heritage of the race, but phrasemakers do snap us out of lethargy, and frequently out of ingrowing pessimism, which may be worse than frenzy.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Be aware of and report any coyotes exhibiting behavior indicative of rabies, such as staggering, seizures and extreme lethargy.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of lethargy

Noun

The Rams’ decision to arrive in Melbourne the day before the game appeared to leave them in a stupor.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Patients may experience a very high fever, headaches, neck pain, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness and other serious symptoms.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of stupor

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heavyweights

hebetude

heck

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“Hebetude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hebetude. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hebetude

noun

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