as in sleeping
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernating
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
If the groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernating in its burrow, it’s supposed to predict six more weeks of winter.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
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
If the groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from hibernating in its burrow, it’s supposed to predict six more weeks of winter.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernating
Verb
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Typical orthopedic shoulder pain usually occurs after an injury, overuse, sleeping awkwardly, lifting something heavy or repetitive motion, according to the doctor.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
One of these rooms was used for sleeping and contained a niche where a lamp was placed, as reported by Heritage Daily.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Also in the vehicle was Jack Zyska, the Knights’ Director of Position Player Development, and junior pitcher Braden Smith, who was resting in the back.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Houston police even recovered a stray bullet from the bed where the mother and her newborn had been resting just moments earlier, according to KTKR-TV.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jonathan is standing over Coach, who is lounging in a hammock like a bruised banana that is too good to touch the counter.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2026
-
A lot of lounging happens in that first year, and this comfy cotton crewneck sweatshirt is the perfect gift for the occasion.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some seeds might require a short period of chilling before being sown.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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Thankfully, Janus Films will release Kurosawa’s bone-chilling short at IFC Center in New York City starting this weekend.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Texas Ranger introduces bodycam video Prosecutors have begun playing video of law enforcement interrogations of Tanner Horner, beginning with Texas Ranger Job Espinoza demanding that Horner tell him where Athena is and asking if the child was alive or dead when Horner left her.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Getting flexed into prime time, akin to Tuesday’s date in Boston, and playing in meaningful games in late March and early April is a signal Peterson’s vision is working.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernating. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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