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
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
-
Like Cernan on Apollo 17, Aldrin also described seeing flashing lights while trying to sleep.—
Stephen Smith,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The sublime—a concept introduced by the first-century philosopher Longinus and later refined by Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant—rests on an encounter with something too immense or too powerful for the human mind to comprehend fully.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The hotel staff moved us to their own dormitory higher up on the land to rest.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
That was the game Towns played.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Mia Arguelles, who typically plays midfielder, filled in at goalkeeper due to injuries and made two saves for Andrew (7-6-1, 3-2).—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Trump is also seen lounging in a gold-colored inflatable chair.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
-
The Beach Of course, the best part of any island vacation is lounging on the beach and feeling the sun bake the salty ocean spray into your skin.—
Katherine Polcari,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
On some of my visits, Marsha dozes most of the time.—
Marc Silver,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
-
A little walk to Ayu Bakehouse, especially in the early morning while most of the neighborhood is still dozing, is a great start to the day.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
