1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inertia
lack of action or activity
a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dormancy
When the temperature consistently drops below 60 degrees in the fall and winter, rattlesnakes enter a dormancy period known as brumation, according to wildlife control company Critter Control.
—
Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 15 Feb. 2025
According to McEnaney, they were brought into a cooler months ago to force an early dormancy.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025
In the fall, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost becomes a risk, bring the plant back indoors.
To encourage dormancy in late summer or early fall, stop watering the plant and move it to a cool, dark location away from bright light — your basement might be an ideal spot.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, from roses to apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 15 Feb. 2025
According to McEnaney, they were brought into a cooler months ago to force an early dormancy.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025
In the fall, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost becomes a risk, bring the plant back indoors.
To encourage dormancy in late summer or early fall, stop watering the plant and move it to a cool, dark location away from bright light — your basement might be an ideal spot.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, from roses to apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
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The memo also calls for the temporary suspension of LEP.gov, a federal website for people with limited English proficiency.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
-
At least one opposition party has called for his suspension.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Another is that cultural and societal inertia tends to spell slow adoption.—
Eric Siegel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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At an organizational level, the prevailing culture can also entrench certain paths, sidelining new ideas, and leading to institutional inertia.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The dinosaurs revert to instinct and viciously attack humans, thereby creating chilling suspense for audiences.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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An uphill finish adds suspense to a normally low-key last day.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
The Antarctic midge, the continent’s sole native insect, was found to be the only organism to undergo both quiescence and obligate diapause.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
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The first, called quiescence, relies on environmental cues — when temperatures plummet, metabolism automatically tapers off.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This violence is designed to intimidate public servants into inaction.—
Bob Morgan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2025
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Similar legislation introduced in the two previous Congresses died from inaction.—
Kevin R. Kosar,
The Washington Examiner,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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