as in sleeping
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernating
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
But right now, people were literally, like, hibernating.
—Adam Duxter, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
You’d be forgiven for hibernating during this historically cold winter in Washington.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 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
Similarly, the heart rate of a hibernating groundhog slows from about 80 beats per minute to just five, while breathing slows from around 16 breaths per minute to as few as two, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
The vast majority of people infected with TB have a latent form of the bacteria, mycobacterium tuberculosis, which remains dormant and non-transmissible — sometimes a hibernating infection can lie dormant for decades.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Last year, according to the Johnson County Daily Journal, a hibernating Hope wouldn't open her eyes during the ceremony.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 29 Jan. 2026
Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
But right now, people were literally, like, hibernating.
—Adam Duxter, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
You’d be forgiven for hibernating during this historically cold winter in Washington.
—Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 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
Similarly, the heart rate of a hibernating groundhog slows from about 80 beats per minute to just five, while breathing slows from around 16 breaths per minute to as few as two, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
The vast majority of people infected with TB have a latent form of the bacteria, mycobacterium tuberculosis, which remains dormant and non-transmissible — sometimes a hibernating infection can lie dormant for decades.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Last year, according to the Johnson County Daily Journal, a hibernating Hope wouldn't open her eyes during the ceremony.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
Verb
-
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
-
An analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine indicated that sleeping for less than seven hours a night increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and depression.—
Veronica Cristino,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The post featured a precious photo of the prairie dog resting flat on his back on a fuzzy pillow.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Mar. 2026
-
There was Hell, in the middle of the cover, his right hand resting on his bleeding chest.—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Versatile, breezy dresses are the ultimate suitcase staple, taking you from sandy strolls and poolside lounging to ocean view dinners without missing a beat.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The longstanding vacation spot basks in 343 sunny days a year, perfect for lounging on white-quartz sands or marveling at nature both above and below the water.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Assemble layers of pasta, ham, vegetables, mayonnaise, and seasoning before covering it and chilling the salad for at least two hours.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
-
But a small yet solid body of science does suggest that chilling these carbohydrate-rich foods after cooking them still could help people slim down.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom and repeatedly 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,
6 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Fellow City Section member Sylmar (24-12) is playing San Marin (21-13) for the Division V title at noon.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Prior to the start of the current conflict, the IRGC was one of the most powerful organizations in the country, playing a dominant role in both internal domestic security and regional power projection.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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