as in sleeping
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernating
Many insects spend the winter hibernating in hollow stems, while birds feast on seeds from coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, cosmos, and more.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
To survive Alaska’s punishing winters, brown bears spend the season hibernating in their dens.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
With the sockeye population swimming back to the Sea, chubbed up grizzlies find a cozy spot for hibernating as Arctic temperatures drop.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The internet star has made a habit out of sharing the aftermath of her wild nights out on TikTok, hibernating under hoodies and ordering food to fill her stomach.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
The single-elimination tournament is held as hibernating bears reach peak fat after a summer-long effort.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
They overwinter in the caterpillar stage by hibernating in leaf litter.
—Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025
However, while ground squirrels are hibernating, their vasopressin levels jump, but the animal still doesn’t drink.
—Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
To survive Alaska’s punishing winters, brown bears spend the season hibernating in their dens.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
With the sockeye population swimming back to the Sea, chubbed up grizzlies find a cozy spot for hibernating as Arctic temperatures drop.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The internet star has made a habit out of sharing the aftermath of her wild nights out on TikTok, hibernating under hoodies and ordering food to fill her stomach.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
The single-elimination tournament is held as hibernating bears reach peak fat after a summer-long effort.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
They overwinter in the caterpillar stage by hibernating in leaf litter.
—Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025
However, while ground squirrels are hibernating, their vasopressin levels jump, but the animal still doesn’t drink.
—Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
Verb
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The campaign reprises and expands the concept of the collection’s look book images unveiled earlier this year, which saw Michele’s tribe pictured on a bed, mainly sleeping but also occasionally playing the guitar, doing a crossword puzzle, taking selfies or having a snack.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
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Despite vacationing on a luxury yacht, Bronwyn spent the night sleeping on a pool chair on the deck rather than spending the night having to share a bed with Britani.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Working group member and LJCPA trustee Patrick Ahern said the space would be used more for resting or a place to talk rather than recreation.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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After a moment, with the puck resting behind Hellebuyck and just in front of the goal line, Smith poked it across for his sixth goal of the season.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While leggings and sweatpants are a great option for lounging, the need for a polished pair shouldn’t be overlooked.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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For folks whose idea of camping looks more like lounging in a cabin, these cozy shearling slippers, on sale for $70, are the perfect companion for morning coffee on the porch.—
Alice Bennett,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In the leadup to its debut, the Apple TV/Sony Pictures Television show has been shrouded in secrecy — a decision that lends itself supremely well to a mystery-box sci-fi thriller that is equal parts philosophical conundrum and blood-chilling horror.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
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Other snapshots included one of Graham chilling in a pink sweatsuit in the backseat of a car, her $1,250 dress and heels in a pile beside her.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Nobody will hold Gjoshe to his hopeful timescale of playing again within a month.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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What's the most difficult part of playing a character like Peter?—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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