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 His erotic energy jolts the community from its torpor. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 All torpor blown by missing too much. Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2025 Their bodies go into a torpor where their heart rate and metabolism slows 20% to 50%. Damon Arthur, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024 But the tryptophan/carb combo is only part of the reason for your torpor. Nick Stockton, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for torpor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torpor
Noun
  • Packer was charged with one count of animal attack resulting from owner's disregard for human life, a felony, the spokesperson said.
    Jessie DiMartino, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • If that fact alone doesn’t outrage you, consider what this disregard of constitutional rights means for you.
    Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But parents from years past had fewer regulations, so kids were able to experience boredom, befriend kids their parents were unfamiliar with, and rebel in small ways outside of their parents purview (like stealing from Claire's or putting on layers of Nars blush in the 7th grade).
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Dopamine loops from social media, games, and constant notifications have reduced their tolerance for boredom, focus and real-world interaction.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But to the other, this is often construed as coldness or indifference.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Over the years, despite facing indifference or opposition from whichever political party is in power, the folks in our film carry on.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There can also be severe neurological changes, such as confusion or lethargy.
    Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
  • In cats and dogs, symptoms can include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, in addition to lymph node swelling under the jaw.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The director does get solid performances out of his French and Italian cast, with the engaging Ronchi (Marco Bellocchio’s Sweet Dreams) playing a softspoken woman who seems to be in some kind of permanent stupor until her confessions bring her back to life.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The same corporate event planners who used to book futurists with hologram slide decks are now on the hunt for celebrity performers who can yank an audience out of its AI stupor for ten electrifying minutes.
    Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torpor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torpor. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on torpor

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