as in drowsiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep
the truck driver keeps a thermos of coffee with him to stave off sleepiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sleeping
desiring or needing sleep
the sleepy children were carried up to bed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dull
slow to move or act
a sleepy little town on the coast
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3
as in hypnotic
tending to cause sleep
the sleepy drone of his voice made staying awake a challenge
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4
as in slow
lacking in gaiety, movement, or animation
a sleepy party that was mostly attended by the same boring people I work with
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sleepiness
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
11 May 2026
Researchers also observed improvements in sleep maintenance and reductions in daytime fatigue, anxiety, depression symptoms and daytime sleepiness.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
This normally sleepy by-election was closely watched around the world after MP Josh Simons resigned with the deliberate intent of allowing Burnham to win his seat and challenge for the leadership of the country.
—
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleepiness
Noun
However, sleepiness returns when the caffeine wears off.
—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
11 May 2026
Researchers also observed improvements in sleep maintenance and reductions in daytime fatigue, anxiety, depression symptoms and daytime sleepiness.
—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
Adjective
On paper, New York State Comptroller is a sleepy job.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
This normally sleepy by-election was closely watched around the world after MP Josh Simons resigned with the deliberate intent of allowing Burnham to win his seat and challenge for the leadership of the country.
—
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sleepiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleepiness
Noun
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Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
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It is also known to cause side effects, including drowsiness, sedation and dizziness.
Noun
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In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.
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Fifty years later, his military haircut glistens with silver from a lifetime serving in fatigues.
Noun
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The floorplan is arranged with a clear separation between the living areas and private sleeping quarters of the home.
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Fourth of July Camping Deals With markdowns on functional tents, sleeping bags, and rechargeable lanterns, there’s no better time to snag camping essentials.
Noun
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From there, the story builds on the uncertainty, rocking the somnolence of a small town in the province of Badajoz, and forcing a community to choose between disbelief and the need to prove what can’t be seen.
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The people went to the emergency department with tachycardia, confusion, anxiety or somnolence, and nausea after eating gummy candies labeled as containing Amanita muscaria mushrooms.
Cite this Entry
“Sleepiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleepiness. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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