dormancy

noun

ˈdȯr-mən(t)-sē How to pronounce dormancy (audio)
Definition of dormancynext
1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dormancy Depending on the time of year, that may take several weeks—or even a few months if the plant was purchased during winter dormancy. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026 The eggs enter dormancy and survive the winter, restarting the cycle the following year. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Flower Beds, Perennials, and Ornamentals Many plants are going through their summer dormancy, just like us, waiting for the heat to break. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 Providing your lawn with extra water during times of heat and drought can help prevent some browning and dormancy, but ultimately, cool-season grasses will naturally go dormant in high temperatures. — The Spruce, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
  1. suspension
  2. inertia
  3. suspense
  4. inactivity
  5. quiescence
  6. inaction
Noun
  • On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an urgent review of gun regulations, including a suspension of new permits to purchase firearms and a review of existing permits, according to a statement from the Government House.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Stern’s decisive response to the Malice at the Palace – the suspensions of the players as well as the punishments meted out to the fans – sent a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • At the extreme, such acceleration in imaging can only become entangled with inertia.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Winners who keep winning are willing to take a critical look at their current inertia, admit to its weaknesses and then begin enacting a plan to change direction.
    — David Henkin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • With the suspense of a thriller, director Beth de Araújo tells a deeply empathetic family drama about fear and the limits of parental care.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • At 48% on RT don’t expect the greatest thriller ever, but this sounds like a good edge-of-your-seat suspense film.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Many traders feel pressure to remain fully invested because inactivity can feel unproductive.
    — Brian Ferdinand, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • With the opponent’s next drive, plus media timeouts, or maybe Butker’s own offense stalling without a scoring opportunity, the inactivity adds up in real time.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of inactivity
Noun
  • Black liberation, no matter how distinct in its language, history, and practice, cannot be absent from any discussion of historical quiescence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
  • Our blanket of air expands when the sun is active and contracts during times of solar quiescence.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2026
Definition of quiescence
Noun
  • Raman asserted that there have been only three Inside Safe operations in her district and that her committee has been stifled by inaction from the mayor.
    — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The costs of inaction—failing to invest in the human, natural and physical infrastructure cities will need, or to strengthen the rules and institutions that govern heat—are also large and growing.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Definition of inaction

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dormancy
dormant
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Cite this Entry

“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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