as in sleeping
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 hibernating
Some bears spent the colder months hibernating under Lake Tahoe-area homes.
—
Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
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
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
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
Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
Verb
-
This leave-on lip sleeping mask delivers deep hydration and antioxidant-rich protection, so your mother will wake up with smooth, supple lips.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
When scientists initially studied attempts to learn while sleeping, the results seemed promising.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
An altered Antarctic landscape could have significant impacts on its wildlife, from the microorganisms and algae that prop up the food chain – food for krill which, in turn, feed many of the region’s whales – to the penguins and seals that rely on sea ice for feeding and resting.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
The device works with a new health coach within the new Google Health app for iOS and Android and tracks steps, distance, sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, resting heart rate and heart rate variability.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The hotel’s slim set of measured, crisp rooms draws a low-key crowd, ranging from honeymooners to city weekenders from Kuala Lumpur, all lounging with the same welcome, unpretentious ease of the hotel itself.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
Dress them down with sneakers and a tank top while running errands or lounging around the house, or dress them up with loafers and a blouse for a day at the office or dinner with friends.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
The prosecution showed the jurors chilling video and audio evidence that included Athena’s last moments after Horner lured her inside the FedEx van.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This comes after the first part of his sentencing phase, where prosecutors showed jurors chilling surveillance footage taken from inside the truck that day, NBC DFW and the Star-Telegram reported.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
A little walk to Ayu Bakehouse, especially in the early morning while most of the neighborhood is still dozing, is a great start to the day.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
-
People sleep with earplugs for many reasons, like excessive city noise, loud neighbors, or even a snoring partner dozing next to them.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Thanks for playing — and share your scores in the comments!—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Paul and Barlow spent several minutes in the second half playing in the frontcourt, giving Nurse options to switch seamlessly while playing small when other Sixers bigs dealt with foul trouble.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
