NAPPING Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

napping 1 of 3

adjective

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness the napping children looked so peaceful

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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

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napping

3 of 3

verb

present participle of nap

as in resting

to sleep lightly or briefly decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them

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as in dozing

to be in a state of sleep I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon

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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 napping

Noun

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 As comfort was key in the sunroom and library where a daybed became a daily napping spot, the windows were covered in custom Pindler curtain fabrics to withstand the sun. — Anne Hardy, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 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 United Airlines announced a brand new seat option for travelers that made napping and stretching out on a plane a whole lot easier. — Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Mar. 2026

Verb

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 By then, however, Jaxon was napping at the daycare center across town before an Easter egg hunt planned that afternoon. — Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 21 June 2026 Our itinerary mostly consisted of long lunches, reading (ok—napping), and beach hopping. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 19 June 2026 Two college students in California died after being swept into the Pacific Ocean by rising tides and powerful surf while apparently napping near a popular but perilous beach access point, according to authorities. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 But, during the close and intense matchup, the president appeared to be caught napping in his seat. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 The pair posted more photos of their bundles of joy over the next month, including one of the twins napping in matching Knicks jerseys next to a basketball, and another of the new parents cuddling their babies at home. — Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 When one of them crouched to pet the Federicos’ dog Marshall, napping on the floor, Rob explained how Kong dog toys were invented. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 3 June 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

Definition of sleeping

Noun

Cotliar’s daughter, Sharon Cotliar-Zweifach, confirmed that Cotliar died in his sleep early Monday at his home in Newport Beach.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Owners who use their equipment daily say the payoff shows up in convenience, faster recovery and better sleep, especially when spa memberships or medical recovery are the alternative.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of sleep

Verb

Testimony in the criminal trial of Johnson County Sheriff Adam King wrapped up its second week with prosecutors resting their case against him.

— Star-Telegram staff. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
Research shows that quality sleep and regular exercise both can benefit heart rate variability as well as resting heart rate in healthy adults.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of resting

Noun

Small, nervous dogs will feel safe and comfy in this furry donut bed.

— Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Health officials declined to identify the facilities or to specify reasons, other than saying that the long-term care industry opens facilities and increases or decreases beds based on business factors.

— Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

Definition of bed

Verb

The new aft deck creates space for relaxing, entertaining, and general luxuriating by the water’s edge.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 July 2026
San Jose Earthquakes defender Daniel Munie won’t be relaxing on a beach during the Major League Soccer All-Star break.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Definition of relaxing

Noun

Mighty ice breakers moored in their summer slumber are the only reminder of the bitter Baltic winters.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
But with the weather warming as Japan has entered summer, the bears have emerged from their slumber – and are heading back into cities and towns.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

Definition of slumber

Verb

When left to his own devices, Carson is prone to snoozing on autopilot.

— Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Rusty, an 8-month-old pooch, believed to be an Aussiedoodle, also donned an American-flag themed outfit, before going out to enjoy various activities over the weekend, including playing in the pool, snacking on treats and snoozing hard.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of snoozing

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nappies

napping

nappy

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“Napping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/napping. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of napping

adjective

noun

verb

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