as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep
we tried to fight our drowsiness but fell asleep anyway
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Recent Examples of drowsiness
However, first-generation antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue, which can affect alertness, concentration, and memory.
—
Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
The virus can lead to severe symptoms, including disorientation, drowsiness, seizures or encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, pale and cold skin, confusion and fatigue, difficulty walking or talking, memory loss and drowsiness, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
—Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Dr Gonzalez-Fernandez recommends speaking to your primary physician to discuss short-term medications–such as promethazine (an antihistaminic that causes drowsiness) or over-the-counter melatonin aids—and referral to a specialist.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
In addition, overdose carries serious and potentially life-threatening risks including confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dry mouth, and shortness of breath, which can be exacerbated by alcohol use.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
These over-the-counter medicines are safe to use daily, but can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dryness in the nose and mouth.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
In the cold weather, shivering that suddenly stops, drowsiness, stumbling, or pale gums could be signs of hypothermia, which would need to be addressed immediately.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Traditional options, including some antihistamines, have been the main interventions for nearly half a century, despite limited effectiveness and side effects such as drowsiness.
—New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026
Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
The virus can lead to severe symptoms, including disorientation, drowsiness, seizures or encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, pale and cold skin, confusion and fatigue, difficulty walking or talking, memory loss and drowsiness, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
—Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Dr Gonzalez-Fernandez recommends speaking to your primary physician to discuss short-term medications–such as promethazine (an antihistaminic that causes drowsiness) or over-the-counter melatonin aids—and referral to a specialist.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
In addition, overdose carries serious and potentially life-threatening risks including confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dry mouth, and shortness of breath, which can be exacerbated by alcohol use.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
These over-the-counter medicines are safe to use daily, but can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dryness in the nose and mouth.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
In the cold weather, shivering that suddenly stops, drowsiness, stumbling, or pale gums could be signs of hypothermia, which would need to be addressed immediately.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Traditional options, including some antihistamines, have been the main interventions for nearly half a century, despite limited effectiveness and side effects such as drowsiness.
—New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
Noun
-
At higher doses, kratom reduces anxiety and causes sleepiness, the way strong pain drugs like opioids (heroin or fentanyl) do.—
Gary Kirkilas II,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
-
In the short term, caffeine in coffee works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in promoting sleepiness.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Side effects can include fever, fatigue, intestinal symptoms, skin rashes or neurological symptoms.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
This included no meaningful excess of memory loss or dementia, depression, sleep disturbance, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, fatigue or headache.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The people went to the emergency department with tachycardia, confusion, anxiety or somnolence, and nausea after eating gummy candies labeled as containing Amanita muscaria mushrooms.—
Beth Mole,
Ars Technica,
19 July 2024
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Organized labor shows corporate managements who’s the boss: This year continued the strengthening of union power after decades of somnolence.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Dec. 2023
Noun
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With a 190-square-foot living area, two bedrooms, and an additional sleeping loft, this cabin has plenty of space.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
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In the case of this bill, an accessory dwelling unit is a secondary living space that has its own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drowsiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowsiness. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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