as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernate
There's no need to hibernate inside when winter's chill arrives.
—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Although the animals are usually hibernating by now, a shortage in their primary food source—beechnut, chestnut, and oak acorns—may be preventing them from entering their deep slumber as usual.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 17 Dec. 2025
The first full moon of 2026 will be on January 3—the Wolf Moon—named for the howling of wolves that don’t hibernate during these months.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Rattlesnakes are particularly common to see from May to October, since the snakes typically hibernate during the colder months.
—Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Although the animals are usually hibernating by now, a shortage in their primary food source—beechnut, chestnut, and oak acorns—may be preventing them from entering their deep slumber as usual.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 17 Dec. 2025
The first full moon of 2026 will be on January 3—the Wolf Moon—named for the howling of wolves that don’t hibernate during these months.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Rattlesnakes are particularly common to see from May to October, since the snakes typically hibernate during the colder months.
—Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
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This inspired framing of the city that never sleeps serves as the tranquil backdrop of the spa, which offers a traditional Swedish sauna, hot stone massages, and Reiki therapy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
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The usage of sleeping tablets is horrendous.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Place in separate airtight containers; chill up to 5 days.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2026
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The point is to intimidate and chill lawful newsgathering.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Warriors were playing without starters Stephen Curry (knee) and Draymond Green (back), while Minnesota's Anthony Edwards was a late scratch to rest a recurring right foot injury.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Another reason is that sectors of the US economy continue to rest on an implicit bargain between the government, employers, and migrants.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The administration is playing a blame game over the initial characterization of Pretti, Axios reports.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Dak already has shot past the championship game deadline in that no other quarterback has ever begun his career with a team and played 10 seasons without reaching the NFC or AFC title game, then reached a Super Bowl with that team later in his career.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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They can easily be transitioned from lounging at home to a street-ready outfit or casual traveling, as the stripes can be mixed and matched with a wide range of tops like blazers, denim jackets, and simple tees—all without looking sloppy.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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This chair makes an ideal lounging spot for reading or watching television, thanks to its supportive foam construction.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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The most determined had already claimed the coveted places at the front of the line, spending the night dozing in their cars, renouncing beds and pillows for hard reclining seats and hungry patience.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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