Synonyms of sleeping

sleeping 1 of 3

adjective

as in asleep

being in a state of suspended consciousness

a roomful of sleeping preschoolers at a daycare center

Synonyms & Similar Words

• asleep
• resting
• napping
• dormant
• at rest
• dozing
• slumbering
• dreaming
• nodding
• drowsy
• sleepy
• somnolent
• comatose
• slumberous
• sleepwalking
• hypnotized
• semiconscious
• reposing
• somnambulant
• mesmerized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• awake
• sleepless
• wakeful
• aware
• wide-awake
• conscious
• sleepless
• up
• aroused
• awakened
• revived
• wakened
• roused
• astir
• reawakened

sleeping

2 of 3

noun

as in resting

Related Words

• resting
• slumbering
• dozing
• lethargy
• torpidity
• oversleeping
• torpor
• tiredness
• sleepiness
• sluggishness
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• lassitude
• somnolence
• weariness
• doziness

Dissimilar Words

• insomnia
• consciousness
• wakefulness
• awareness
• sleeplessness

sleeping

3 of 3

verb

present participle of sleep

1

as in napping

to be in a state of sleep

the baby slept for the entire length of the car trip

found the night watchman sleeping at his post

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resting
• napping
• dozing
• dreaming
• snoozing
• slumbering
• catnapping
• dropping off
• sleeping in
• hibernating
• nodding off
• drowsing (off)
• oversleeping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• waking
• rising
• arising
• arousing
• awaking

2

as in breeding

to engage in sexual intercourse

if I don't read the tabloids, how will I know who is sleeping with whom this week?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• breeding
• mating
• doing it
• having sex
• copulating
• fornicating
• fooling around

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sleeping

Adjective

An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026

Noun

During the shootout, the 71-year-old sleeping man who was sleeping nearby in his home was grazed in the arm by one of the bullets. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

One stairway leads to a spacious sleeping loft, while another set of stairs leads to three additional bedrooms, including dual primary suites with ocean views. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026

There’s also a touch of retinol—low on the ingredient list—but since this sleeping mask stays on overnight, sensitive skin types may want to patch-test first. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026

Campspot, a North American campground booking platform, has given its 2026 campsite awards to several California campgrounds for setting the standard for exceptional camping through unique sleeping accommodations, access to trails and for its array of amenities. —Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Troxel recommends washing most bedding on a regular schedule to prevent the buildup of sweat, oils, allergens and microorganisms, though the exact frequency differs depending on the type of bedding and sleeping habits. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

There are 48 tiny sleeping cabins, able to accommodate 56 adults. —Emily Bollinger, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026

Police ratcheted up enforcement of a ban on outdoor sleeping, making around 800 arrests in 2025. —Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

Since there's no dedicated living room in the Starling, this spot forms the heart of the home and it can also be turned into an additional sleeping area when required. —Adam Williams march 22, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026

Verb

Despite her difficult start, Kaiko has since been recovering in her new home, with the viral video capturing a quiet but significant milestone—her first night sleeping indoors. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

The suspect was stuck in the shoulder while a stray bullet grazed a sleeping 71-year-old in a near by home. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

The wrecked car was overturned with the nude model sleeping inside—playing dead with help from a mild sedative. —Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026

Viewers play them while sleeping, studying, meditating or just decompressing. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026

Bed bugs are small reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of sleeping humans and animals. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

Detectives said Dresser was seen throwing the child within the crib, striking the child and sleeping during her shift. —Stephanie Ballesteros, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Doulas support moms through trying times On a recent afternoon, Mary Bey settled into a chair in a homey room at the Memphis doula center, cradling her sleeping infant, Ca’Mya. —Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

I'mPhaedra Trethan, presenting for your National Puppy Day pleasure these sleeping cuties. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026