Definition of torpornext

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 This period of dormancy is referred to as torpor, as bears reduce activity and stay largely inside their warm dens. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 Will his cannon shot across the bow of democracy rouse them from their torpor? Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026 Inducing torpor-like states in humans is an active area of research, especially in relation to emergency medicine and long-duration spaceflight. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 In the wild, hamsters dig burrows with deep tunnels and multiple entrances for protection and to sleep during bouts of torpor. Noel Kirkpatrick, Treehugger, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for torpor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torpor
Noun
  • James has become increasingly comfortable with dictating his own future with total disregard for anyone else’s opinion.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • There are several, and despite this administration’s blithe disregard for environmental safety, America’s 250th birthday offers a striking opportunity to consider them.
    Char Miller, Time, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • There is no time for those who listen only to their boredom.
    Joyce Mansour, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Tom’s rebellious teenaged son, Evan (Kingston Rumi Southwick), has fallen in with a delinquent crowd out of sheer boredom, resentful that he’s never been allowed to leave the island.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Hamilton students were, in their basic indifference, not unlike the typical Gators of my own undergraduate years, trying to cruise through the graduation requirements by whatever means necessary.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • The world of Pride and Prejudice expects women to accommodate male pride as a social fact, to smooth over awkwardness, to accept that status and wealth compensate for coldness or indifference.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • More severe signs of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, the loss of the ability to stand, confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea.
    Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Symptoms include fatigue, excessive panting, disorientation, lethargy, discomfort, collapse and seizures.
    Darius Johnson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • But Supergirl doesn’t quite want to deal with the immensity of its protagonist’s feelings; her drunken stupor is often played for laughs, defined by disheveled hair, big sunglasses, and plenty of slurred speech.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
  • But now, the Outback appears to be out of its stupor.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Torpor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torpor. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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