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 Those soil temperatures can soar above 85 degrees, which Horne says drops plants into a type of heat-protective dormancy—that means they’re focused on survival rather than growth. — Shelby Deering, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026 Move them to an unheated garage or shed, which will allow the plants to enter a dormancy stage. — Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 After years of dormancy, Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome is officially getting a new owner. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 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 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
  • The dropping/suspension was the beginning of the end, or at least the most public manifestation of the beginning of the end.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • Save Our Voices Now’s Parliament petition has amassed more than 4,000 signatures, but the early indications are that the campaign has been met with inertia rather than action.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Torcal’s response on-center is deliberately somewhat muted, progressing as the driver turns the wheel, helping maintain the illusion that the Torcal’s mere inertia is sufficient to carry it through irregularities in the path ahead.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • The fact that the show couldn’t manage even a modicum of suspense with the same material shows how utterly sauceless this adaptation is.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Jennifer McMahon is the best-selling author of 12 suspense novels, including The Winter People and Promise Not to Tell.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Months of inactivity allow microbes, algae, barnacles and other invertebrates to colonize submerged surfaces.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Risk factors could include poor overall health, aging, inactivity, underlying illness, inflammation, or metabolic issues, Mendez said.
    — Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 17 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
  • Whereas Clara’s journey is one into slumber, inaction, passivity, and perpetuating the system.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The organizations that waited on cybersecurity were more likely to find that the cost of inaction far exceeded the cost of preparation.
    — Rhett Alden, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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