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hibernating

verb

present participle of hibernate
as in sleeping
to be in an inactive state bears hibernating in their dens

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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 Last winter was tough for marmots living high in the Colorado mountains, where researchers say two-thirds of one population died while hibernating because of insufficient snow cover. — Brittany Peterson, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Ticks go dormant in temperatures below 40 degrees, hibernating beneath leaf litter and snow. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
  1. sleeping
  2. resting
  3. lounging
  4. chilling
  5. dozing
  6. playing
Verb
  • Of course there is a fire risk associated with sleeping rough, but most encampment fires start in dense neighborhoods like Skid Row.
    — Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Best Gear Deals From sleeping comfortably under the stars to enjoying a hot cup of coffee at sunrise, the right gear can elevate any camping trip, and REI’s sale is packed with worthwhile upgrades.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of sleeping
Verb
  • Who then might be a match for title holders who benefit from resting players in 18-club Ligue 1 and having a fresh team for the back-end of the Champions League each season?
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The aircraft appeared to be resting on its belly and was largely intact despite the fire.
    — Staff And Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of resting
Verb
  • When your fur baby isn’t lounging alongside you, the under-table space can serve as storage for outdoor essentials by simply removing the cushion.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Place a sturdy tray on top to create a flat surface for drinks and snacks, or turn it into a coffee table when you’re done lounging.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of lounging
Verb
  • Instead, the procedure transformed him into an unstable super-soldier — capable of being magnetically charming one moment and dangerously chilling the next.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In what can only be described as an absolutely bone-chilling scene, it is laid out in brutal terms what awaits her in Iran.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of chilling
Verb
  • Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026
  • Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Definition of dozing
Verb
  • Rather than playing as two traditional wingers, in this moment, both players were on the left flank.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Rumors have circulated that Stan may be playing Harvey Dent, the district attorney who eventually becomes the villainous Two-Face and was previously portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, Tommy Lee Jones, and Billy Dee Williams.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of playing

Browse Nearby Words

hibernates
hibernating
hibernation
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Cite this Entry

“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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