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
-
Maintain local control, protect public spaces and stop criminalizing people for sleeping outside when no safe alternative exists.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Premium and economy passengers will also still be required to purchase an actual seat, with these sleeping pods instead being available for an additional session fee of NZ$495 (about $280 per session).—
Emma Clarke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, however, is not interested in resting on any laurels.—
Jonathan Hawkins,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Instead, keen-eyed visitors can spot resting harbor seals, shorebirds, and even a resident pair of bald eagles.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open from the bedroom onto a private deck for morning yoga or simply lounging on rocking chairs, and from the living area to a smaller one to enjoy your evening tea on.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Perfect for lounging on a slow Sunday afternoon.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As for the 33,193 fans who sat through this bone-chilling night, most of them went home happy.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities have not identified a suspect or motive, though the FBI released chilling doorbell camera video of an armed and masked man outside Nancy Guthrie’s home on the morning she was reported missing.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
6 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
-
When the reports surfaced that the Saudis were cutting off LIV’s funding, the league was playing a tournament in Mexico City.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Promotion to League One in just their second attempt after taking 132 years to reach the EFL is one thing, but their playing style under former Brentford and Northampton goalkeeper Andy Woodman only adds to the curiosity around them.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
