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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Russia took advantage of decades of somnolence in Europe to try to exploit its neighbors’ reliance on Russian gas after the invasion of Ukraine. — Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for somnolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolence
Noun
  • Hufanga explained that the drink’s effects can act like alcohol, inducing muscle relaxation, sleepiness, and feelings of well-being.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Other common sleep issues that don’t affect the airways include movement disorders that cause nighttime restlessness or narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that affects the body’s sleep-wake cycles and causes excessive sleepiness.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In addition, both magnesium and L-theanine do not cause daytime drowsiness, so they can be taken at any time.
    — Emmanuella Ogbonna, HEALTH, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Provincial traffic police said driver fatigue and drowsiness caused the crash.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Tactics such as ragebait have only added to the fatigue, irritating enthusiasts already frustrated by the relentless churn of slop.
    — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That kind of anecdotal genre fatigue doesn’t establish an industry surplus — but the sentiment does suggest that even devoted horror fans sometimes need help pacing themselves.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • All of the sleeping quarters are situated on the lower level, where two primary bedrooms are accompanied by two guest suites and two additional guest bedrooms.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Then Digory accidentally unleashes the evil empress Jadis (Emma Mackey, who played Physicist Barbie in Barbie) from a sleeping spell, and chaos breaks out.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on somnolence

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster