Synonyms of sleep

sleep 1 of 2

noun

ˈslēp 

1

as in bed

a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself

neither of them has been getting much sleep since the baby was born

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bed
• slumber
• napping
• resting
• slumbering
• rest
• nap
• shut-eye
• dozing
• snoozing
• catnapping
• dreaming
• repose
• doze
• catnap
• drowse
• snooze
• siesta
• wink
• forty winks
• oversleeping
• z's
• rapid eye movement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• consciousness
• wake
• wakefulness
• insomnia
• sleeplessness

2

as in death

the state of being dead

a grieving widower longing to join his beloved wife in her eternal sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• death
• dead
• mortality
• grave
• deadness
• nothingness
• lifelessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• life
• existence
• immortality
• lifetime
• lifespan

3

as in fate

the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities

regretfully put their terminally ill dog to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• death
• fate
• demise
• passing
• doom
• curtains
• grave
• exit
• dissolution
• decease
• passage
• end
• quietus
• expiration
• suicide
• expiry
• great divide
• destruction
• fatality
• assassination
• casualty
• execution
• martyrdom
• killing
• slaughter
• annihilation
• ending
• ruin
• extermination
• self-slaughter
• massacre
• self-destruction
• self-murder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• birth
• life
• existence
• nativity
• rise
• creation
• genesis
• origination

sleep

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to rest

to be in a state of sleep

the baby slept for the entire length of the car trip

found the night watchman sleeping at his post

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rest
• nap
• slumber
• doze
• snooze
• dream
• catnap
• drop off
• sleep in
• oversleep
• nod off
• hibernate
• drowse (off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rise
• arise
• wake
• awake
• arouse

2

as in to breed

to engage in sexual intercourse

if I don't read the tabloids, how will I know who is sleeping with whom this week?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• breed
• mate
• have sex
• copulate
• do it
• fornicate
• fool around

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sleep

Noun

Recent research even suggests a lack of sleep can exacerbate intrusive thoughts. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 July 2026

Physicians and patients consistently stress that TRT is most effective when paired with strength training, better nutrition, sleep and reduced alcohol intake. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Verb

The Texas 3-bedroom (which comfortably sleeps 8) is a true retreat—no TV, no Wi-Fi. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2026

The alleged crime In the early hours of May 10, 2025, Pearson allegedly approached the house where the victim was sleeping, court records state. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Phrases Containing sleep

• put to sleep