RESTING Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

resting 1 of 3

adjective

ˈre-stiŋ

Definition of resting

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness the resting cat was curled up in my favorite chair

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

resting

2 of 3

noun

as in napping

a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself the hyena is ready to scavenge again after its brief resting

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resting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of rest

as in basking

to refrain from labor or exertion a beach resort that caters to gung ho exercisers and athletes as well as vacationers who just want to rest

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as in dozing

to be in a state of sleep the patient is currently resting, but as soon as he awakes, I'll tell him you called

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in basing

to find a basis you're resting your argument on a faulty premise

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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 resting

Adjective

That’s because when the body experiences physical stress, including losing weight quickly, more hairs can shift into a resting phase and fall out a few months later — typically two to three months after the event, Rossi explains. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026 This is a condition where, due to stress or hormonal changes, the body puts the hair follicles into a resting phase. — Essence, 19 Dec. 2025 Taking minoxidil orally can support the hair follicle cycle and trigger anagen (the resting phase) prematurely. — Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2025 During the resting phase, hair stops growing and will shed, or fall out. — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025 Green Bay could finish as high as sixth in the NFC if the resting Rams lose to the 49ers, potentially setting up a first-round matchup against the division-rival Lions. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2024 In this condition, a lot of the hairs all over the scalp going into the resting phase all at once–this is seen clinically as an abrupt significant increase in shedding. — Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 4 Aug. 2023 More muscle means more metabolically demanding muscle cells, which translates into a higher resting metabolism. — Emily Willingham, Scientific American, 14 June 2023

Noun

Meghan Markle sparked controversy shortly after her UK visit in July 2026, allegedly posting a photo of Prince Harry and their kids carrying flowers to the late Princess Diana’s final resting place. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 10 Aug. 2026 Trusting Kanan, Raq visits Stefano in one part of New York while Kanan visits his late Uncle Marvin’s last resting place in another. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 The final resting place of SpaceX's moon-smashing rocket has been found. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Customers are family as well, some even choosing the tavern as their final resting place. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The numbers climbed and then fell, with no obvious resting place. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026 Circular patios and courtyards will direct light into the building, while gardens and outdoor resting places will allow visitors to take in views of the nearby Pichincha volcano. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 July 2026 After connecting with one of Horan’s great-grandchildren, Michael Knappman, Baldwin began researching Horan’s life and searching for her final resting place among the rows of stones. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026 The west is symbolic of death in mythology, but also connected to the land of Elysium, the final resting place for Greek heroes. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026

Verb

Dogs spend a significant portion of their day resting, which is why supportive bedding can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for aging dogs, larger breeds or pets that love long afternoon naps. — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 The leaders who got the training avoided the rise in burnout and resting heart rate that a comparison group experienced over the same stretch, and leaders who engaged with more of the program saw a bigger effect. — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The luminous skull resting on the figure's lap is undoubtedly the most important element in the painting. — Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026 The seat records a six-lead resting EKG and sends the information to its companion app through Bluetooth. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The best part is the leftovers which, after resting, are somehow more tomatoey. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 Amabile is resting and recovering, according to his wife, Serena Pitt. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 Use a longer stream to guide visitors to secret niches and resting spots. — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resting

Adjective

An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.

— Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of sleeping

Noun

When temperatures eventually dip, Shah likes keeping an extra blanket in the car—a place where many babies do their best napping, much to their parents’ delight.

— Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026
Any signs of enthusiasm for the meal created suspicions of cook-napping.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 July 2026

Definition of napping

Verb

At the time, insiders also shared that Evans and Baptista were basking in their newfound parenthood.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Rattlesnakes are most active in the mornings and evenings, and enjoy basking in the sun on Westminster pavement or trails, city officials wrote on social media.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of basking

Verb

Overall, Red Sea basing to date has focused more on crisis response in East Africa, countering and competing against Russia and China.

— Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Its strategic forward basing in Guam boosts warfighting readiness, demonstrating the Virginia-class platform's endurance and effectiveness in the Western Pacific.

— Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of basing

Adjective

In case of emergency, there’s a lyre on the nightstand that lulls him asleep.

— Brandon Follick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
An intoxicated Flint man was arrested after he was found asleep in his vehicle and blocking lanes of Interstate 75 in Oakland County, Michigan State Police said.

— Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of asleep

Noun

Her psychiatrist told her to stop taking Zoloft and advised her to take Ativan and Benadryl to help her sleep, according to the note.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
O'Donnell and Rubin also discussed other symptoms that can usually accompany menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep problems, mood swings, weight gain and memory issues.

— Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of sleep

Verb

Flip up the recliner-style side extension, and the wraparound seat becomes more of a chaise lounge for kicking up one's feet and relaxing away an evening at camp.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2026
Finally, there’s magnesium, a mineral known for calming the nervous system and relaxing muscles.

— Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of relaxing

Noun

For the last six years, Six has lived as a recluse in Amsterdam, lying in bed and going out twice a day for decaf coffee (the regular brew is too hard on his shattered nerves).

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Shocking-pink bougainvillea and electric-blue morning glory twine up columns, providing a brilliant shot of color, while Javanese four-poster beds and rattan sun loungers are piled high with downy mattresses and cushions in Marni prints.

— Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of bed

Cite this Entry

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“Resting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resting. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of resting

adjective

noun

verb

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