as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernate
Cold Temperatures for an Insect Like hibernating bears, many insects slow their bodily processes during the tough winter months.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2025
After hibernating for several months, the den's snakes are starting to emerge to shed their skins and soak up the sun.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 14 May 2025
The sinkhole has gone unrepaired since then, and it’s grown deep and wide enough that a bear might choose to hibernate in it, curling up beneath the trees that have taken root in the cavity.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Each year, beginning in spring when grizzlies awake from months spent hibernating, between 30 to 40 people — in Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, a small portion of Washington and British Columbia — are attacked, and two to three people are killed, after coming into contact with these animals.
—Johnny Dodd, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2025
After hibernating for several months, the den's snakes are starting to emerge to shed their skins and soak up the sun.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 14 May 2025
The sinkhole has gone unrepaired since then, and it’s grown deep and wide enough that a bear might choose to hibernate in it, curling up beneath the trees that have taken root in the cavity.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Each year, beginning in spring when grizzlies awake from months spent hibernating, between 30 to 40 people — in Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, a small portion of Washington and British Columbia — are attacked, and two to three people are killed, after coming into contact with these animals.
—Johnny Dodd, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
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Restless legs syndrome, a condition characterized by an urge to move the legs, is common in Parkinson's disease, as is REM sleep disorder, a condition in which people act out their dreams while sleeping.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
28 July 2025
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Innerspring, hybrid and gel foam mattresses all provide breathable space to let your body cool while sleeping.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Verb
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After chilling the base, each version develops its distinct personality, with chocolate and cookies for one, and brown sugar and balsamic for the other.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 July 2025
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Asked if he’s ever told Brooks to chill, Smart brought up something former Georgetown coach John Thompson once told him.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Verb
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In the photo, Spieth and his children's hands can be seen touching the little one, who is resting while wearing a blue onesie with trucks printed on it.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Now Chapman will head to Atlanta to represent Boston at Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, while the rest of the club gets a couple of days to rest before picking back up Friday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Wear wide-leg linen pants out to dinner, to the beach, while lounging around the house, or even to the office.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
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Out back, the yard is anchored by a 75-foot heated saltwater pool, with plenty of surrounding deck space for lounging under an umbrella.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 July 2025
Verb
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Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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Messi and Alba practiced with the club Friday in anticipation of playing in Saturday’s match before MLS announced the suspension.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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In yet another post showing the dog — which appears to be a miniature dachshund — dozing on a rug by a fireplace, Evans revealed that her name is Lala.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
19 July 2025
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Patrick Seymour, dozing in a Newcastle home, awoke to flames crawling up the outside walls.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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