SEDENTARY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

sedentary

adjective

Definition of sedentary

as in lazy

not doing or involving a lot of physical activity They led a sedentary life after retirement, spending their days in front of the television.

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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 sedentary The microgravity environment uniquely allows researchers to study what happens to humans with a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged bed rest, which isn't easily simulated on Earth, Sachs explained. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 Compared to offspring born to sedentary parents, parental exercise granted protection against poor blood sugar levels and excess weight gain for an entire year after birth. — Diego Hernandez-Saavedra, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 The rise of health issues such as obesity and high cholesterol can also contribute to the likelihood of having a stroke as well as a sedentary lifestyle, Robinson added. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026 Regular exercisers tend to have lower baseline cortisol than sedentary individuals, and their post-workout spike resolves faster and more completely, according to research. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sedentary

Adjective

Thankfully for all of us, this is no bubble skirt or tabi flats—these babies are notoriously easy to wear, even on your laziest days, and will stay in style for years to come.

— Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 6 Nov. 2026
One is that everyone who is experiencing homelessness is dealing with a substance use disorder or is lazy and just doesn’t want to do any better and just wants a free government handout.

— Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of lazy

Adjective

But this was possible for Gemini North thanks to perfect timing and perfect weather conditions over Maunakea, the dormant volcano on the island of Hawai'i where the telescope is located.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Moscow and Pyongyang’s once dormant relationship has flourished as Kim has sent thousands of munitions to replenish Russia’s depleted stockpiles and thousands of soldiers to fight and die in the ongoing ground war.

— Stephen E. Biegun, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of dormant

Adjective

Jim Cramer was hoping for one of those sleepy November days where not much happens for the Investing Club's 4th annual meeting.

— Alexa LoMonaco,Jeff Nash, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Reminiscent of diners and roller skates, this machine is sure to bring a smile to even the sleepiest of mornings.

— Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of sleepy

Adjective

Just like many of his neighbors, the sound of the Delciello’s bell sent Carmody scrambling to round up tools and knives that needed their dull blades refreshed.

— Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Spend your peak time on low-value work, and your axe will be dull for everything that counts.

— Jeremy Macliver, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of dull

Adjective

That’s because when the body experiences physical stress, including losing weight quickly, more hairs can shift into a resting phase and fall out a few months later — typically two to three months after the event, Rossi explains.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
This is a condition where, due to stress or hormonal changes, the body puts the hair follicles into a resting phase.

— Essence, Essence, 19 Dec. 2025

Definition of resting

Adjective

As Ten’s lovelorn prison pen pal Lillian, an immobile shut-in, Peggy Fields Richardson initially appears to be a punchline, but goes on to deliver a nuanced turn as a woman who’s long awaited her chance at romance.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Clots can also be caused by inactivity, such as sitting on a long flight or being immobile after surgery.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of immobile

Adjective

That led to tens of thousands of registrations being moved to inactive status, including some belonging to eligible voters.

— Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
The same lure retrieved past inactive bass, however, may pass by many fish without eliciting a strike.

— Morris Gresham, Outdoor Life, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of inactive

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sedatives

sedentary

sediment

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“Sedentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sedentary. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sedentary

adjective

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