1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inertia
lack of action or activity
a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dormancy
In the fall, as temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and frost becomes a risk, bring the plant back indoors.
To encourage dormancy in late summer or early fall, stop watering the plant and move it to a cool, dark location away from bright light — your basement might be an ideal spot.
—
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, from roses to apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
Be aware that, once dormancy is broken, flower buds on the stems are also vulnerable to frost/freeze damage, and that might not be as evident as the singed edges or distorted-leaf symptoms on expanding foliage.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
The importance of cold in plant physiology is still shrouded in mystery, but the hypothesis is that cold dormancy prevents early onset of growth or development that would be disadvantageous to the plants involved.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
The process of breaking dormancy generally refers to deciduous plants, from roses to apple trees, that lose their leaves in the fall or winter.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
Be aware that, once dormancy is broken, flower buds on the stems are also vulnerable to frost/freeze damage, and that might not be as evident as the singed edges or distorted-leaf symptoms on expanding foliage.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
The importance of cold in plant physiology is still shrouded in mystery, but the hypothesis is that cold dormancy prevents early onset of growth or development that would be disadvantageous to the plants involved.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormancy
Noun
-
Santana will still appear for the Pirates as his appeal of the suspension is reviewed by the league.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
-
Suarez is appealing the length of a three-game suspension, while Shildt and Roberts served one-game suspensions on Friday.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Every nation faces inertia, and breaking away from entrenched methods of production is challenging.—
Matthew Putman,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
In the Gilded Age, a century ago, the U.S. was mired in political division and inertia, with absurdly high levels of income inequality and widespread distrust of institutions, especially government.—
Anastasia G Mcateer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
There wasn’t much suspense on the top pick this year, but the moment was still memorable based on Schaefer’s tears, as the top pick and his family shared the moment while honoring his mom, Jennifer, who passed away in 2024.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
After several weeks of voting, the suspense is over and the new name for the snake will be announced.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The first, called quiescence, relies on environmental cues — when temperatures plummet, metabolism automatically tapers off.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
8 Mar. 2025
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Although Schneider's exact date predictions may or may not come to pass, the pattern of the super-active phase followed by quiescence and dimming suggests that the nova is just around the corner.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The tools exist, the use cases are real, and the cost of inaction is far too high.—
Markus Pflitsch,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
Trump deserves credit for ignoring the voices in Washington who counsel inaction out of an understandable but often paralyzing fear of unintended consequences.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormancy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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