napping 1 of 3

napping

2 of 3

noun

as in sleep
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself some people think that napping in the afternoon will keep you from sleeping well at night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

napping

3 of 3

verb

present participle of nap

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 napping
Noun
When temperatures eventually dip, Shah likes keeping an extra blanket in the car—a place where many babies do their best napping, much to their parents’ delight. Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026 Any signs of enthusiasm for the meal created suspicions of cook-napping. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 Our agenda includes promenading with the official mascots, catching up on our napping, and looking in on the Pharmalot ancestor. Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 July 2026 My 5-year-old corgi, Luna, is a dedicated burrower—any blanket, pillow or soft corner in the house quickly becomes her personal napping spot. Jessica Moore, USA Today, 27 June 2026 The findings don’t mean long naps cause liver disease, but that napping might indicate that poor sleep, insulin resistance, or sleep apnea needs attention. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 15 June 2026 Morning naps were linked to about a 30% increase in mortality risk, and each additional hour of daily napping was associated with about a 13% higher risk, the study found. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 In two separate selfies, the singer and actress cuddled with Emerson, while another snapshot depicted the newborn napping in her car seat. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026 And your napping neighbor will appreciate the focused light. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
There are five sculptures, one for each of de Monteflores’s children; and Fraser herself was a toddler when the paintings on view were made, likely napping, her mother has said, while the work took shape. Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 The data showed that sperm whales napping near the surface blew bubbles 11 times on average during their naps, compared to three or four times by those whales making a slow ascent. ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 There was nothing comfier, or more quintessentially childhood-coded, than wrapping myself in a patchwork throw and napping the entire five-and-a-half-hour drive to the family vacation home in Vermont. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026 Primates napping next to another animal or playing with them offers no readily apparent rewards—suggesting that this innate curiosity and friendliness is more deeply ingrained in humanity’s evolutionary journey. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 Kayaking, paddleboarding, and other aquatic sports are also available, though sun-seekers will be perfectly content lounging, reading, and napping with the property’s flat-as-glass horizon as the background. Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026 In 2023, he was found napping across a Hobart driveway for hours, blocking a local woman from getting to work, and was relocated after people and dogs began harassing him at another beach. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Kids in pre-K-3 are still napping for the most part, and how does that work with alarm bells going off for the high school students to transfer classrooms? Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 He was spotted napping and playing with traffic cones near Tasmania's capital, Hobart. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for napping
Adjective
  • An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Earplugs, white noise machines or sleep earbuds can reduce or mask snoring sounds.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The shift means brighter mornings, earlier sunsets and one extra hour of sleep heading into winter.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Consider an older adult recovering from a hospital stay who spends the afternoon arranging transportation to follow-up appointments instead of resting.
    Aimée K. Dailey, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Lindsay Clancy's Massachusetts murder trial resumed Monday in Plymouth Superior Court, with the prosecution resting its case.
    Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In case of emergency, there’s a lyre on the nightstand that lulls him asleep.
    Brandon Follick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
  • An intoxicated Flint man was arrested after he was found asleep in his vehicle and blocking lanes of Interstate 75 in Oakland County, Michigan State Police said.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For the last six years, Six has lived as a recluse in Amsterdam, lying in bed and going out twice a day for decaf coffee (the regular brew is too hard on his shattered nerves).
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Shocking-pink bougainvillea and electric-blue morning glory twine up columns, providing a brilliant shot of color, while Javanese four-poster beds and rattan sun loungers are piled high with downy mattresses and cushions in Marni prints.
    Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Pair your time in the pool with relaxing massages and facials, the former with organic oils scented with herbs and flowers from the island, and the latter with products from Rowse, the natural and cruelty-free cosmetics brand.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Gliding swings use a gentle gliding motion for relaxing your baby.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Fall is almost here, which means my flip-flops and sandals are seeing their final days of 2026, and my boots and sneakers are waking up from a long slumber.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Weather can be temperamental in the spring, but wildlife emerges from winter slumbers at this time of year.
    Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Seeing your pup happily playing in the backyard or snoozing on the couch can provide reassurance for you without creating confusion for your dog.
    Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • When left to his own devices, Carson is prone to snoozing on autopilot.
    Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Napping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/napping. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on napping

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster