1
as in sleepy
desiring or needing sleep
trying to teach somnolent students on a very hot day
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hypnotic
tending to cause sleep
the somnolent hum of insects in the grass
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Recent Examples of somnolent
In it, bands play a quieter part of the song, or start softly, setting a somnolent mood before blowing it apart with a sudden shift in volume and dynamics, with little more warning than some transitional guitar feedback.
—
Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Returning to the somnolent complacency of years past is not an option.
—Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Neuroscientists have long had an explanation for our somnolent twitches.
—Amanda Gefter, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2023
Democrats are walking around in some state of somnolent indifference about Joe Biden.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 26 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for somnolent
Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Returning to the somnolent complacency of years past is not an option.
—Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Neuroscientists have long had an explanation for our somnolent twitches.
—Amanda Gefter, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2023
Democrats are walking around in some state of somnolent indifference about Joe Biden.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 26 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for somnolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolent
Adjective
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The queen, who is currently competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, is near-singlehandedly turning the All Stars franchise from a sleepy series to a must-watch by playing the game strategically and having fun doing it.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
30 May 2025
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Ultimately, what was once a sleepy and steady sector of the US economy is starting to become much more dynamic.—
Steven Dudash,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Along with guitarist Mike Campbell and Petty himself, Tench was with the Heartbreakers from their formation in 1976 all the way to their final show in 2017, toggling between the piano and Hammond organ as Petty’s kick-ass spellcaster who flew through songs like a hypnotic spiral.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
6 June 2025
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Meanwhile, every spring in Baja, Mexico, mobula rays gather by the thousands, swirling in a hypnotic vortex.—
Rona Berg,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Telogen Stage The telogen stage of the hair cycle is a resting phase, during which the hair doesn't grow, and the follicle is dormant.1 About 10% to 15% of the hairs on your body are in this resting phase at any one time, which typically lasts for a few months.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2025
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Green Bay could finish as high as sixth in the NFC if the resting Rams lose to the 49ers, potentially setting up a first-round matchup against the division-rival Lions.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2024
Adjective
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Safety upgrades include a lane-centering system, a surround-view camera system, rear automatic braking, forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning and a drowsy driver monitor.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
18 May 2025
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Studies have shown that teens who experience a lack of sleep could suffer negative consequences, including an inability to concentrate, poor grades, drowsy driving incidents, anxiety, depression, and many more.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somnolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somnolent. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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