Synonym Chooser

How does the noun torpor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of torpor are languor, lassitude, lethargy, and stupor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

In what contexts can languor take the place of torpor?

The words languor and torpor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When can lassitude be used instead of torpor?

While in some cases nearly identical to torpor, lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

When would lethargy be a good substitute for torpor?

In some situations, the words lethargy and torpor are roughly equivalent. However, lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When is stupor a more appropriate choice than torpor?

While the synonyms stupor and torpor are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

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 torpor The sense of torpor extends to the roster. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Bears do not truly hibernate, but instead enervate, or enter a state of torpor, in their dens. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 25 Sep. 2025 The Kaufman-esque sequence that chases an ever-balding Mike through his movie roles and towards his destiny is great fun to watch, but ultimately calls our attention to the relative torpor that surrounds it. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025 Binging pasta might lead to a stomach ache and terrible torpor the next morning. Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torpor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torpor
Noun
  • This apparent disregard for his commitments surprised many, including some of his dedicated fans.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The jury also appreciated the thematically appropriate disregard for linear time used in the movie and found hope and joy in watching these characters seek humor and hold tight to each other in the face of a difficult disease.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That at a certain point, the gooner will open his eyes, find himself in a room filled with lube but void of love, and decide that the boredom of staying in that room outweighs the fear of whatever lies beyond it.
    Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And yes, there were occasional hijinks spurred by youthful boredom and restlessness.
    Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The amendment changes the theory of the case from reckless indifference to intentional misconduct, according to the family’s lawyers, which could raise the damages awarded to the family.
    Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The risk of reverting to a political reality of indifference to occupation and permanent conflict is too great.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Infected pets may experience lethargy, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
    Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • People experiencing more severe infections may also suffer high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rashes and blood in their urine.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Daedone wanted to savor decrescendo, too, as well as stasis, stupor, spiritual awakening, and whatever other sensations the stroke brought out.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The cilantro is key because its chlorophyllic sharpness slaps the stupor out of the starchy beans.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torpor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torpor. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on torpor

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