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
Those threats include boat strikes from propellers slicing through shells, being caught in fishing nets, shoreline development, tree removal reducing natural cover, de-icing bubblers that give otters access to hibernating turtles, and climate change.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
In the wild, boreal toads survive harsh winters by essentially hibernating.
—
Alex Lehnert,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
In the wild, boreal toads survive harsh winters by essentially hibernating.
—
Alex Lehnert,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
-
If that’s not impressive enough, it’s made from 100 percent cotton, so you’re guaranteed to sleep soundly all year long.
-
As night fell, about 50 demonstrators remained sleeping at the site.
Verb
-
Make it 2 to 12 hours ahead of your gathering, then chill to get a head start and to allow the spread’s flavors to dance together in unison.
-
Potatoes that have been boiled, baked, or microwaved have less resistant starch than those that have been cooked and then chilled (as in potato salad).
Verb
-
In a third photo, Justin rested his chin on Jack's shoulder while holding him with one arm.
-
All locomotion modes are limited by the metabolic scopes of organisms—the ratio between peak exertion and resting (or basal) metabolic rate.
Verb
-
For tour this time around, Pillsbury is looking forward to playing larger venues, which offer space for grander production.
-
The elder Moniak, now 86, played six seasons in the Red Sox farm system from 1958-63, and like Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, was among the young outfielders who benefited from the tutelage of a special batting instructor named Ted Williams at spring training ‘61-63.
Verb
-
An old recording studio, still adorned with a grand piano, now exists more as a lounging space.
-
There were plush white sofas in almost every room, with guests lounging and kicking up their feet after trekking around the massive space.
Verb
-
Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.
-
The toothless man nodded, and the fat woman dozed.
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
