as in sleeping
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernating
As the creatures head out in search of food and are no longer hibernating, the organization issued a warning following recent attacks.
—
Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
If your grill has been hibernating for a few months, start with a deep clean using a wire-free brush and vinegar.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Schlosstein pictured hosting dinner parties in the dining room and lounging with her dog, Milo, on the terrace, as well as working from the office and hibernating in the library.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
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
Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
If your grill has been hibernating for a few months, start with a deep clean using a wire-free brush and vinegar.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Schlosstein pictured hosting dinner parties in the dining room and lounging with her dog, Milo, on the terrace, as well as working from the office and hibernating in the library.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
Verb
-
Accommodations range from deluxe, superior, and premier to urban, and two penthouses, the latter of which are a statement stay that seem better suited for entertaining than sleeping.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
In the house Gita lives in, kinship is learned through daily friction, through the particular silence that means someone is upset, through the understanding of who to wake and who not to disturb while sleeping.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Suitable gifts for this guy—a barbecue blanket for resting meats, or a selection of dry rubs geared to smoking.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Once onboard your pet, both male and female fleas feed at the first opportunity, typically when your pet is resting, says Benson.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
In the lounging room, a menu of alkaline, mineral, and infused waters is available.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
While Europeans love to show off their pride with their favorite team’s jerseys, our North American equivalent could be considered the comfortable hoodie—ideal for couch lounging while streaming the game.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
For longer storage, ripe tomatoes can be kept in the refrigerator, but note that chilling can dull their flavor and change their texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 May 2026
-
After chilling overnight, the patties are seared on a flattop to medium-rare for a crispy, peppery crust and smoky, juicy interior.—
Sam Flemming,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
New York leads, 12-7, after a pair of early 3-pointers and by playing fast to try to get ahead of the defense of Victor Wembanyama.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
Hanging on his wall as inspiration was a rhapsodic review of My Left Foot, which earned Daniel Day-Lewis his first Oscar for playing a guy with cerebral palsy.—
Lacey Rose,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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