Definition of somnolencenext
as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep somnolence is likely to be the most typical and telling reaction to this novel

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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 somnolence The company warns of the potential for diarrhea, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and somnolence (excessive or sudden sedation). Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Aug. 2023 If successful, Murray wants the Senate to awake from its somnolence the past few months and years, having a free-flowing debate with lots of amendments considered. Paul Kane, Anchorage Daily News, 27 July 2023 More little dramas are unfolding across South Korean boardrooms as activist investors become more assertive after a long period of somnolence. Jacky Wong, WSJ, 28 Mar. 2023 Carolyn Kuan doesn’t do somnolence. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for somnolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolence
Noun
  • Some over‑the‑counter products that can pose risks include certain antihistamines, commonly found in allergy and cold remedies, nighttime sleep aids, motion sickness medications, and cough syrups, which can induce sleepiness or slow down cognitive function.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Other possibilities include another severe sleep disorder called idiosyncratic hypersomnia, as well as other conditions where people experience sleepiness or executive function problems during the day and poor sleep at night, Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said in an interview with CNBC.
    Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Edwards went to the emergency room at Ysbyty Bronglais in the town of Aberystwyth, where her condition worsened with increasing drowsiness, severe confusion and loss of coordination.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Blue light does suppress melatonin, the hormone that signals drowsiness, and can delay the body’s circadian clock.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and muscle stiffness.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
  • For example, fatigue is reported in some GLP-1 trials.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Moments later, Glover’s attempt to read a quote from Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell gets interrupted by Reid flaunting his Canadian flag, while astronaut Christina (Sarah Sherman) floats on by, sleeping and snoring.
    William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2026
  • With no discernible up or down in space, the astronauts strapped into sleeping bags hanging from the walls each night.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Somnolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somnolence. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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