as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernate
Her sadsack solution on the path towards healing from their bad breakup – beyond getting day drunk and hibernating in her apartment with junk food – includes poring over memories of her own past lousy relationships, in addition to Insta-stalking Kaylinn.
—
Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Maybe the Grizzlies have been hibernating for most of the last 10 years.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Maybe the Grizzlies have been hibernating for most of the last 10 years.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
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Like Cernan on Apollo 17, Aldrin also described seeing flashing lights while trying to sleep.—
Stephen Smith,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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In addition to the main building, where most guests sleep, the original palace also houses several suites filled with antique furniture and plenty of gild trim, which are available to book for a hefty price tag.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Just remember to prepare key lime pie a couple of hours in advance so the pie can chill.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
8 May 2026
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Speakers outlined technological developments like a closed-loop cooling system that recycles water, reducing the amount needed to chill centers.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Flop down in your favorite blue armchair, rest a hand behind your head, and settle into a new week of Atlantic Trivia.—
Drew Goins,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
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After resting Monday, the Padres will visit the feisty Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game series.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Williamsburg would play a prominent role in the American Revolution as the seat of Virginia's government until 1780 (when the capital was changed to Richmond).—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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Parting ways with Morey was ultimately not an easy decision for the 76ers, but Philadelphia’s inability to take the next step in a constantly changing East played a significant role in the organization’s direction.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Activities on the sprawling estate span from the active (horseback riding, hiking, kayaking) to the restful (lounging by the large pool overlooking the mountains).—
Rebekah Peppler,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
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Photos of the pair lounging at the pool of an exclusive Arizona hotel were published at the time, followed by Russini and Vrabel’s swift denials of anything untoward.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The toothless man nodded, and the fat woman dozed.—
Óscar Martínez,
The Dial,
30 Apr. 2026
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On some of my visits, Marsha dozes most of the time.—
Marc Silver,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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