DROWSE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

drowse 1 of 2

noun

Definition of drowse

as in nap

a short sleep was just falling into a drowse when you called

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drowse

2 of 2

verb

ˈdrau̇z

as in to nap

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

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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 drowse

Noun

The wealthy suburb of Phoenix drowses in the heat of the Sonoran Desert, sprinkled with luxury resorts catering to snowbirds in what Arizonans call the Valley of the Sun. — Lynette Rice, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2019

Verb

Some shaggy buffalo drowsed in a patch of shade, and a hose fed water into a large puddle where a white goose paddled in tight circles. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 The dog, Russ, drowsed on the floor at his owner’s feet, drooling onto the tile. — Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for drowse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowse

Noun

If your dream sofa needs to look polished but can also accommodate a serious weekend nap, the Lido Chaise Sectional is built for both.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Duncan said Willow's most human-like quality is a Sunday nap.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of nap

Verb

Direct flights have resumed between India and China, a few old Silk Road trade routes have opened, and in March India relaxed rules around investment from Beijing.

— Evelyn Cheng,Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Fences, hedges, noise machines, and relaxing music can all help.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of relax

Verb

McGowan remembers one visit when Pearl gently rested her head in a woman’s lap at a senior facility and kept returning to her throughout the visit.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
But as Bengals fans know all too well, this season rests on whether Burrow can stay healthy.

— Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rest

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

Definition of doze

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drowns

drowse

drowsed

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Style

“Drowse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowse. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of drowse

noun

verb

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