Definition of hebetudenext
as in boredom
physical or mental inertness faced with a class forever enveloped in a miasma of apathy and intellectual hebetude, the professor had little hope of kindling an interest in medieval European history

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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 hebetude The leaden weight of an irremediable idleness descended upon General Feraud, who having no resources within himself sank into a state of awe-inspiring hebetude. — Ruth Walker, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hebetude
Noun
  • And from that boredom, a different kind of will, the willfulness that accompanies a need to destroy that happiness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Models are well accustomed to boredom—especially during fashion month.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • His Envita medical records from this time detail his lethargy, his cough and his precipitous drop in weight.
    — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Phrasemaking is perhaps no contribution to the intellectual heritage of the race, but phrasemakers do snap us out of lethargy, and frequently out of ingrowing pessimism, which may be worse than frenzy.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • However, the threat posed by bounty hunter Paladin (Todd Stashwick) and the prospect of a reunion with his son conspire to draw him out of his stupor.
    — Tom Bailey, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Rams’ decision to arrive in Melbourne the day before the game appeared to leave them in a stupor.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hebetude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hebetude. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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