as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernate
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—
Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
People mostly hibernate in their wood-and-tin houses, burning firewood to brave the freezing cold.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
If the groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernating in its burrow, it’s supposed to predict six more weeks of winter.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
While hibernating, a groundhog's body temperature can drop from about 99 degrees Fahrenheit to as low as 37 degrees, a temperature cold enough to be fatal to humans, who lose consciousness at about 82 degrees.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
People mostly hibernate in their wood-and-tin houses, burning firewood to brave the freezing cold.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
If the groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernating in its burrow, it’s supposed to predict six more weeks of winter.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
While hibernating, a groundhog's body temperature can drop from about 99 degrees Fahrenheit to as low as 37 degrees, a temperature cold enough to be fatal to humans, who lose consciousness at about 82 degrees.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
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Some cities have also moved to enable police to fine or arrest people sleeping on the streets.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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While collagen production naturally slows down for women in their mid-20s, the steep drop starts once a woman begins experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause, like hot flashes, sleep disruption, and irregular periods.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Be sure to allow enough time for the chicken to chill uncovered for 30 minutes before grilling.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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After pasteurization, Munroe chills it to about 34 or 35 degrees before bottling.—
Paul Edward Parker,
The Providence Journal,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His work centers on structure, balance, and durability, helping ensure that treatment plans rest on sound clinical principles.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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However, part of the DOJ’s case rested on the bundling of sports and concert tickets, as well as the alleged requirement that primary ticket sellers for major concert venues provide support for the distribution of a team’s season tickets.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The conception meant that the show would need multiple actors playing Scarpetta, with one as the lead of the series.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Phillips also played a complete season in 2025 after seeing two separate significant injuries end his seasons in 2023 (Achilles) and 2024 (ACL).—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Atrani In Positano’s quieter Fornillo area, this three-bedroom villa includes multiple terraces and garden spaces for dining, lounging, and sunset BBQs—and is a smart choice for those traveling with a larger group.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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The River features a winding lazy river, splash pad, state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style lounging areas, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.—
Mosaic
Mar. 8,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In his Friday testimony, Ye yawned, closed his eyes for long stretches, and at times seemed to catch his head falling forward as if dozing while seated on the witness stand.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
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Babies and young children attend events into the wee hours of the night, often falling asleep in someone’s arms or dozing across several chairs.—
Katrina Donham,
Parents,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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