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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Florida’s final moments against Georgia were fitting for a fireside horror story — that which fans will tell years from now, recounting to their grandchildren the dark ages of this resting college football power.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
2 Nov. 2025
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They were dealt around the table, open beers resting without coasters, with the Blue Jays down two games in the ALCS.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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With sizes ranging from 0 to 20 and four different inseam options (19, 23, 25, and 28 inches), these lightweight and sweat-wicking leggings are perfect for everything from lounging to long workouts, with plenty of space to keep your essentials in easy reach.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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The extra-wide, contoured seat and tall backrest make lounging effortless, while the 450-pound weight capacity adds peace of mind.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The film — part chilling revenge thriller and part absurd slapstick — is riveting.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
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Shared in October by u/pizzalogdong, the pictures show the gray tabby comfortably chilling inside a carrier, as her kittens are wrapped up in warm blankets by the poster.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Bucks did exactly what Antetokounmpo asked, playing the Warriors tough all night and eventually pulling out a win behind a career-high 32 points from Ryan Rollins.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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It’s taken time, Fonseca admits, to grow accustomed to playing in front of such raucous crowds.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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