HEBETUDE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

hebetude

noun

ˈhe-bə-ˌtüd

Definition of hebetude

as in boredom

physical or mental inertness faced with a class forever enveloped in a miasma of apathy and intellectual hebetude, the professor had little hope of kindling an interest in medieval European history

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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 hebetude The leaden weight of an irremediable idleness descended upon General Feraud, who having no resources within himself sank into a state of awe-inspiring hebetude. — Ruth Walker, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hebetude

Noun

Like many projects, Ultra Lights began as a way for singer-songwriter John Robinson to stave off pandemic boredom.

— Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
For at least a few hours, Doug’s boredom vanished, and Gabriella no longer felt like an activities director on a cruise ship.

— Jason Karlawish, STAT, 8 July 2026

Definition of boredom

Noun

More severe signs of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, the loss of the ability to stand, confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea.

— Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Symptoms include fatigue, excessive panting, disorientation, lethargy, discomfort, collapse and seizures.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of lethargy

Noun

The 14-month-old was diagnosed with alcohol intoxication with complications and stupor, as well as acute respiratory failure, according to The Advocate and WBRZ.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
But Supergirl doesn’t quite want to deal with the immensity of its protagonist’s feelings; her drunken stupor is often played for laughs, defined by disheveled hair, big sunglasses, and plenty of slurred speech.

— David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026

Definition of stupor

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“Hebetude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hebetude. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hebetude

noun

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