WAKEFULNESS Synonyms: 7 Similar and Opposite Words

wakefulness

noun

as in insomnia

the inability to obtain adequate sleep a nagging wakefulness that seemed resistant to all of the standard home remedies

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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 wakefulness Researchers in China used deep-learning algorithms to analyze REM sleep, deep sleep, light sleep, total sleep duration, wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep irregularity. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Porodina is fascinated with hypnagogia, the threshold state between sleep and wakefulness. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 Ninety-five out of 111 imaged cells lit up during slow-wave sleep and quiet, motionless wakefulness, and fell silent during running and REM sleep. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 In reality, evening light is one of many factors that can influence the transition from wakefulness to sleep. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 Orexins help regulate wakefulness, as well as attention, motivation and the brain’s reward system. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026 But in people with narcolepsy, such boundaries become blurred, allowing elements of sleep to intrude into wakefulness in varying ways. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The clinical data demonstrated significant improvements in wakefulness and reductions in excessive daytime sleepiness at week eight, outperforming the placebo with a generally favorable safety profile. — Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Daytime light helps set the body’s circadian rhythms, which play an important role in sleep, wakefulness, and other brain and body functions. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 25 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wakefulness

Noun

The doctor's group, known as ACOG, recommends hormone replacement therapy alongside certain antidepressants, nonhormonal medicines, and other treatments to address symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings.

— Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
What’s Happening Between 10% and 30% of adults have insomnia, according to the National Sleep Foundation, and many more struggle through the occasional bad night.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of insomnia

Noun

With both of these planets transiting Air signs, there is a cerebral side to this alignment, presenting the opportunity to channel feelings of restlessness into something resourceful.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Other common sleep issues that don’t affect the airways include movement disorders that cause nighttime restlessness or narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that affects the body’s sleep-wake cycles and causes excessive sleepiness.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of restlessness

Noun

Ellen displays intimacy with Lara in front of Ruby; Lara withholds and then offers attention; Ruby watches with envy, desire, and the alertness of a guest who cannot tell whether she is being welcomed or appraised.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Kratom products contain chemicals that can increase alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness.

— Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of alertness

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wakeful

wakefulness

waken

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

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Synonyms of wakefulness

noun

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