hibernate

verb

Definition of hibernatenext
as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state bears hibernating in their dens

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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 hibernate Ticks go dormant in temperatures below 40 degrees, hibernating beneath leaf litter and snow. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Of course, those of you who prefer to hibernate could curl up with a good book, tidy up around your castle or watch some footie on the telly. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 26 June 2026 The five bears established dens, hibernated through the winter and emerged in the spring, the release said. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026 As the creatures head out in search of food and are no longer hibernating, the organization issued a warning following recent attacks. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
  1. sleep
  2. chill
  3. rest
  4. play
  5. lounge
  6. doze
Verb
  • The cars need to charge for about fifty minutes every six to eight hours—a cycle under way twenty-four hours a day, because a Waymo does not sleep at night.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In the premium version of the app, Health Guardian also monitors blood pressure, insulin resistance, and sleeping trends.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of sleep
Verb
  • Recipe Tips for Pizza Dip To make ahead, assemble the dip, cover, and chill for up to one day.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The department also argues that threatening officers with prosecution for protecting their identities and their families chills enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive operations.
    — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • They were laid to rest at Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs’ Cemetery in the city previously known as Saigon.
    — Aniruddha Ghosal, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • However, with each Champions League victory crucial to progressing toward the next round, neither would want to rest their big guns, either.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of rest
Verb
  • All the more reason for leaders to play the generosity sweepstakes in ways that are advantageous to them.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.
    — Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of play
Verb
  • In one mirror selfie, Hurley lounged on a bed with her bare legs on display, holding up her phone as the oversized ring sparkled on her finger.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • At the stern, the line’s signature ocean lounge is fitted with fold-out terraces that open to create an expansive waterside area for lounging or watersports.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of lounge
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

Browse Nearby Words

hiatuses
hibernate
hibernated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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