1
as in sleepy
desiring or needing sleep
trying to teach somnolent students on a very hot day
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2
as in hypnotic
tending to cause sleep
the somnolent hum of insects in the grass
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of somnolent
In it, bands play a quieter part of the song, or start softly, setting a somnolent mood before blowing it apart with a sudden shift in volume and dynamics, with little more warning than some transitional guitar feedback.
—
Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Returning to the somnolent complacency of years past is not an option.
—Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Neuroscientists have long had an explanation for our somnolent twitches.
—Amanda Gefter, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2023
Democrats are walking around in some state of somnolent indifference about Joe Biden.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 26 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for somnolent
Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Returning to the somnolent complacency of years past is not an option.
—Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Neuroscientists have long had an explanation for our somnolent twitches.
—Amanda Gefter, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2023
Democrats are walking around in some state of somnolent indifference about Joe Biden.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 26 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for somnolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolent
Adjective
-
Usyk and Dubois have some work to do to save a pretty sleepy event in London.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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At the time, Positano was still a sleepy fishing village.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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This week, Tyler, the Creator surprise releases a dance-forward LP, Drake teams up with Central Cee for a hypnotic club banger, and Lola Young delivers some sunny escapism.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
25 July 2025
-
Osbourne sang in the high howl of a man being burned at the stake, and his melodies unfolded in a slow, hypnotic smolder.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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During the resting phase, hair stops growing and will shed, or fall out.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
10 July 2025
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Telogen Stage The telogen stage of the hair cycle is a resting phase, during which the hair doesn't grow, and the follicle is dormant.1 About 10% to 15% of the hairs on your body are in this resting phase at any one time, which typically lasts for a few months.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Yet the car will likely obey speed limits, never get drowsy or drunk and never rubberneck or give in to road rage.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
22 June 2025
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Preparation through adequate rest is an important part of avoiding drowsy driving, which could be fatal according to NHTSA.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somnolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somnolent. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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