as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 hibernate
Some common behaviors to look out for include sleep changes, like getting very little sleep, or alternatively sleeping or hibernating more than usual, says Guilbault.
—
Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
In September 2023, rain followed by Tropical Storm Hilary established conditions for breeding and the subsequent insect activity in a time when the mosquitoes typically begin to hibernate.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
With bold outerwear anchoring some of the team’s best looks, the outfits below serve as a welcome reminder that personal style doesn’t have to hibernate during the winter months; dressing for February weather can be just as expressive as September when armed with the right pieces.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
In September 2023, rain followed by Tropical Storm Hilary established conditions for breeding and the subsequent insect activity in a time when the mosquitoes typically begin to hibernate.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
With bold outerwear anchoring some of the team’s best looks, the outfits below serve as a welcome reminder that personal style doesn’t have to hibernate during the winter months; dressing for February weather can be just as expressive as September when armed with the right pieces.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
-
Well, according to a new study published in the April issue of the scientific journal Menopause, masturbating may help relieve some menopause symptoms—particularly mood changes and sleep issues.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Based on reviews of 75 Saatva users, sleeping on a Saatva mattress is most often described as supportive, structured and restorative rather than ultra‑soft or sink‑in.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Once chilled, top with berries and garnishes as desired.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The committee is considering changes to the law, which many in the real estate industry believe has chilled development in the city.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The case for more medical freedom rests on laudable principles.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Also, Goldman’s framework rests not on a direct count of jobs lost to AI and jobs created by AI in real time, but on inferences derived from a regression analysis.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But Lemann, to her credit, does not play this for laughs.—
Brandy Jensen,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The two entered having played together in only 17 games this season, for a total of 249 minutes.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There are more ways than lounging on your couch sipping Arnold Palmers to take it all in.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
From a morning perusing the Louvre to an afternoon lounging at the Luxembourg Garden—plus a day trip to Champagne or a weekend away in Burgundy—these 15 items embrace French chic.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
People sleep with earplugs for many reasons, like excessive city noise, loud neighbors, or even a snoring partner dozing next to them.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
-
In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
