DROWSING Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

drowsing

verb

present participle of drowse

as in napping

to sleep lightly or briefly picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 drowsing Bear in mind that those 55 million impressions were totted up long before Nielsen began counting scores of drowsing aunts and hyperactive toddlers among its national TV deliveries. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025 Jena looked over at the man’s camel, drowsing alongside the tent. — Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsing

Verb

There are five sculptures, one for each of de Monteflores’s children; and Fraser herself was a toddler when the paintings on view were made, likely napping, her mother has said, while the work took shape.

— Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
The data showed that sperm whales napping near the surface blew bubbles 11 times on average during their naps, compared to three or four times by those whales making a slow ascent.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of napping

Verb

Slide open and step outside to sit at the deck’s fire table immersed in towering evergreen trees while resting your eyes beyond to the Sierra Nevada.

— Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Matthew Stafford was resting as part of his maintenance plan, and Simpson split reps evenly with Stetson Bennett, with Bennett taking the first crack.

— Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of resting

Verb

Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026
Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026